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What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Type 2 diabetes and heart disease can stem from and are associated with a set of common factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar levels, obesity, and physical inactivity.
When these conditions occur together it is defined as metabolic syndrome.
Currently up to one-third of all adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome.
At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology (TD&E), our team of board-certified endocrinologists and diabetes specialists offer a variety of options to help prevent heart disease and manage weight loss in order to avoid developing metabolic syndrome and other serious conditions.
What causes metabolic syndrome?
One of the main contributors in developing metabolic syndrome is being overweight or obese. You are at a significantly higher risk for metabolic syndrome if your body is ‘apple-shaped,’ which refers to carrying extra weight around the abdomen.
Other common risk factors for metabolic syndrome may include:
- Advanced age
- Ethnicity, with Hispanics reported to be at the highest risk
- A diagnosis of pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes, or a family history of diabetes
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Insulin resistance, where the body has a hard time processing sugars
What are some symptoms of metabolic syndrome?
There are no common symptoms that point towards metabolic syndrome, that is why it is important to get evaluated with your primary care doctor every 1 to 3 years, depending on your age and risk factors.
How can you prevent developing metabolic syndrome?
Many of the factors associated with metabolic syndrome can be improved if not fully reversed with dedicated lifestyle changes. Some healthy habits that our endocrinology experts recommend for preventing metabolic syndrome and the risk for diabetes and heart disease are:
- Eating a well-balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Monitoring how much salt and sugar are in your diet
- Aiming for at least 30 minutes of physical activity, at least five days a week
- Losing weight as directed by your physician
- Stopping smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation
At TD&E, we offer cardiovascular risk assessment including Advanced Lipid Testing and supportive weight loss counseling and management.
Contact Us to Help Manage your Diabetes, Osteoporosis and Thyroid Conditions
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes services and other endocrinology therapies can help you lead a full and active life, please contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.
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