Metabolic Syndrome ~ Do You Know Your Risk? (Part 1)

1 in 3 adults in the US meet the indicators for Metabolic Syndrome or Prediabetes. Metabolic Syndrome is not a disease by itself. It is however, a combination of risk factors that help predict and precede the onset of diabetes and heart disease. Prevention is much cheaper than treatment in the long run. Sadly, most people are not even aware they are at risk or already have Metabolic Syndrome. Often they are already insulin-resistant and probably Prediabetic. You probably already know someone affected right now!

More than 90,000 Americans have Metabolic Syndrome. It’s now considered a hidden epidemic. If you are over the age of 50, your chances increase to one in 2 or 50% being affected by this condition. Anyone who already has Metabolic Syndrome or Prediabetes is 5 times more likely to develop Diabetes.

How do I know if I have symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome or Prediabetes and why hasn’t my physician told me about this? Medical staff right now are encumbered with many things and may not have the most current information on every single thing out there. It is up to us, as patients to do our own research and ensure we are doing all we can to stay healthy. While our doctors certainly want to keep us healthy, prevention is our responsibility first.

The symptoms are easily identified. Several you can assess yourself, others a simple blood test is needed. Ask yourself the following and if your answer is Yes to one or more, go get the answers:

After meals, do I experience any of the following?

·         Sleepiness or fatigue

·         Carb or sweet cravings

·         Difficulty focusing

My eating habits match these:

·         Skipping breakfast often or only having coffee/something sweet

·         I feel it’s hard to stop eating

·         I eat fast food at least once a week

Do I have any of these Physical Cues?

·         Love handles

·         Pot belly

·         My mouth is often dry

The Answers = Know your Numbers or Risk Factors. The following are 5 factors which will tell you whether you might have Metabolic Syndrome or not.

1) Midsection Measurement over 35 in. (female) or 40 in. (male) or Your BMI is 30+

       Yes      No

2) Triglycerides (simple blood test) 150+ mg/dl

        Yes      No

3) HDL Cholesterol (simple blood test) Less than 50 mg/dl (female) or Less than 40 mg/dl (male)

       Yes      No

4) Blood Pressure 130/85 + mmHg

       Yes      No

5) Blood Sugar (Fasting – simple blood test) 100+ mg/dl

       Yes      No

  If Yes, this Risk Factor alone means you are Prediabetic.

Yes to one of the above Risk factors signifies a problem. Three or more yes’s qualifies you as having Metabolic Syndrome.

Before you panic, realize that knowing you could be at risk is scary. However, it also means you are better prepared to manage your health and reduce your risks. It is far cheaper to prevent than to treat Diabetes which has far reaching implications for your health. You can make a difference if you start today in your own life with small changes.

There will be further installments explaining why this is happening more in depth as well as what you can do with your lifestyle to reduce your risks. So be sure to tune back in to hear more information as well as some great information from doctors that I know. Lastly, consult with your doctor and ask them about Metabolic Syndrome and Prediabetes and start making healthier changes today!


Kathie Hitt
Email: kathiehitt@yahoo.com
Our Website

I do not have a medical background, however I do share information that comes up which I believe is pertinent to raise awareness. We do offer many solutions for many issues that plague our population. For more information on what we have to offer please contact us. Please always consult with your personal physician before making changes in your routine and never stop taking any of your medications unless your physician specifically tells you to.