The Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome

The Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome is a group of health risk factors that increase the likelihood of heart disease,65-68 and other disorders, such as diabetes and some cancers.69,70 The risk factors that make up Syndrome X include insulin resistance, which refers to the reduced ability of the hormone insulin to control the processing of glucose by the body. Other major risk factors often associated with Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome include high blood sugar and high blood triglycerides, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, high blood pressure and excessive body fat in the abdominal region. People with Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome do not always have every one of these risk factors, but they usually have many of them. A qualified doctor should make the diagnosis of Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome after a thorough examination and blood tests.

Most people with Type II diabetes have insulin resistance, but many more people who are not diabetic also have insulin resistance. 71-73 Since it is currently thought that insulin resistance itself often does not cause symptoms, these people may not be aware of their problem. This attitude will probably change as research continues. Some authorities believe insulin resistance is partially inherited and partially due to lifestyle factors. In addition to the recommendations discussed further in this book, people with Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome may benefit from some of the recommendations given for Type II diabetes. People with this condition should also benefit from health strategies that reduce the severity of the risk factors they possess, including obesity, high triglycerides, and high blood pressure.

As Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome is often the precursor of Type II diabetes, it will be informative to start at the end; this is what can happen if Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome is not discovered and more importantly, prevented.

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