Metabolic syndrome

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome (also known as syndrome X or insulin-resistance syndrome) is a collection of conditions that occur together and increase a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

These conditions include:

• excess abdominal fat
• high blood pressure
• low levels of HDL ‘good’ cholesterol
• high blood sugar/insulin resistance

It is estimated that as many as 30% of Australians are affected by metabolic syndrome.

What are the symptoms of metabolic syndrome?

Some of the conditions of metabolic syndrome don’t have signs or symptoms, while others do.

Potential symptoms include:

• increased waist circumference
• symptoms of type 2 diabetes (caused by high blood sugar) e.g. fatigue, increased urination and thirst, blurred vision

What causes metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is strongly associated with lifestyle factors including poor diet and lack of physical activity.

How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?

A person is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if they have three of more of the following:

• high waist circumference
• high blood pressure
• low levels of HDL ‘good’ cholesterol
• high levels of blood triglycerides (a type of fat)
• insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes

How is metabolic syndrome treated?

Positive lifestyle changes can help to treat metabolic syndrome and reduce associated risks.

This may include:

• eating a healthy diet
• getting regular exercise (30 or more minutes per day, at least five days per week)
• quitting smoking
• reducing alcohol intake

Medication may also be required to treat conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

How can metabolic syndrome be prevented?

As with the management of metabolic syndrome, the best way to prevent these conditions is to ensure positive lifestyle choices e.g. a healthy diet and regular physical activity.