To understand metabolic syndrome, you should break down the word. “The word syndrome refers to a constellation of features or findings not necessarily with a specific cause,” said Dr. Phil Kern, director of Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center and professor of internal medicine at UK. This is separate from a disease. “Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of findings that are a mixture of the features of high risk obesity, especially abdominal obesity when the waist is bigger than the hips, and abnormalities in blood lipids, usually high triglycerides, low HDL, hypertension and some abnormality in glucose metabolism. Anybody can have metabolic syndrome, though there is a high genetic tendency.

While metabolic syndrome may be a new term to some, it is not uncommon. The American Heart Association said that it is a serious health condition that affects about 35 percent of adults. They stated that it occurs when someone has three or more of the following measurements: abdominal obesity, triglyceride level of 150 milligrams per deciliter or greater, HDL cholesterol of less than 40 mg/dl in men or less than 50 mg/dl in women, systolic blood pressure of 130 millimeters of mercury or greater, diastolic blood pressure of 85 millimeters of mercury or greater, fasting glucose of 100 mg/dl or greater and insulin resistance or glucose intolerance.

Metabolic syndrome comes with the potential consequence of type 2 diabetes. “It is highly preventable by physical activity and maintaining a normal body weight but there are some people who do everything right and still have metabolic syndrome or may get diabetes,” said Kern. Lifestyle intervention is the key. “The diet should not be ultrahigh carbohydrates but should not be ultrahigh fat either,” said Kern. For the most part, metabolic syndrome goes along with aging. “Nowadays with obesity affecting so many young children, it is common to see metabolic syndrome in teenagers,” said Kern. It starts to potentially arise after puberty.

Diagnosis is made through blood work. Any young adult may consider having this done but Hispanics, Mexicans, Central Americans and Native Americans are considered higher risk. Men with a waist circumference of greater than 40 inches and women greater than 35 inches have reason to be concerned. To fend off metabolic syndrome, people may adopt a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish and low fat or fat-free dairy products. It is also advised to avoid processed food. Along with a balanced diet, people should incorporate 150 minutes of moderately vigorous activity into their weekly routine, according to the American Heart Association.

For most people, making simple changes can help. According to the American Diabetes Association, exercise not only promotes weight loss by burning excess fat and increasing muscle mass but it also improves the body’s response to insulin, which can make a big difference to people who are insulin resistant. If lifestyle modifications fail to make a difference, medications may be needed to help with the hypertension. Diabetes drugs are individualized. “Metabolic syndrome patients often have a blood sugar that is in the grey zone so we do not use drugs for glucose levels in that zone,” said Kern. The main goal in managing patients with metabolic syndrome is preventing the progression to diabetes. “It is also a risk for coronary heart disease,” said Kern. People can take action against metabolic syndrome today. “Try to turn off the television and computer, stop texting, get out and do something,” said Kern.

© 2011 Jamie Lober, Staff Writer