Metabolic syndrome is also known as insulin resistance syndrome. This health phenomenon encompasses a combination of conditions that increase your risk of developing specific issues such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. The good news is that in many cases, you can prevent metabolic syndrome by improving your overall health.
Though being overweight in general can increase your chances of developing metabolic syndrome, studies show that it’s most likely in those who carry a lot of weight around the abdomen. Leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to your risk as well.
Research shows that having certain chronic conditions can also lead to metabolic syndrome. These include nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and sleep apnea.
People who had gestational diabetes have a higher chance of developing metabolic syndrome and being diagnosed with diabetes at a later age. Doctors often recommend regular check-ups after giving birth to catch any increase in your blood sugar levels early.
This problem can easily go unnoticed and most people are only aware of persistently high blood pressure if they visit the doctor often. Some health experts recommend buying an at-home blood pressure monitor so you can track your daily readings.
This is another risk factor that you might not notice until you’re prediabetic or diabetic. You should discuss your options for tracking this measurement with your doctor.
If several blood tests reveal that you have high levels of bad cholesterol, it could be a sign that you have metabolic syndrome. Of course, you’ll only know this if you have regular check-ups so talk to your doctor about how often you need to be assessed.
If you take corticosteroids, specific blood pressure medications, certain HIV treatments, and some psychiatric medications, you could be at risk for metabolic syndrome. That’s because these drugs can impact your insulin resistance. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor about managing the side effects of your medication and discussing alternatives.
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According to recent studies, Black men are less likely than other ethnicities to develop metabolic syndrome. The opposite is true for Black women. Interestingly, even if the numbers show that Black men are less likely to be diagnosed with the condition, they show a higher risk of dying if they have it. Researchers estimate that this problem may be linked to Black Americans’ propensity to develop the issues that lead to metabolic syndrome.
For example, approximately 55 percent of Black Americans have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and Black women are 50 percent more likely to be overweight than other ethnicities. Though Black people tend to have lower levels of bad cholesterol, it seems to have no bearing on their high risk of developing heart disease.
With these factors to consider, it’s in your best interest to live healthily and talk to your doctor about getting tested for the conditions that can lead to metabolic syndrome.
It’s possible to have metabolic syndrome without any symptoms as what you experience will depend on which conditions you have. For example, high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, and high triglycerides might not cause symptoms. However, if you have diabetes, you may notice increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. Some people may see darkened skin under their armpits or at the back of their necks.
Generally, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent the health issues that lead to metabolic syndrome. Some of the areas you can change include being physically active for at least 30 minutes per day, staying away from cigarettes, and limiting your alcohol intake. Where your diet is concerned, doctors recommend increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and beans in your diet. It’s also a good idea to cut down on saturated fat, salt, and processed foods. If you have any concerns about what to eat, then you should consult your doctor. They may be able to help you design a personalized diet plan or refer you to a dietitian.
Though metabolic syndrome is preventable, studies show that many Americans have developed or are at risk for developing the condition. Given that you can have it without any symptoms, it’s best to adopt a healthy lifestyle and have regular check-ups. Black Americans, in particular, need to take care of themselves as they tend to be more prone to the conditions that lead to metabolic syndrome.
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