Most of us have heard of diabetes, hypertension (also known as high blood pressure), and obesity, right? These health conditions come with complications and risks, but all three together are known as metabolic syndrome and can be a particularly dangerous combination. In fact, the health condition comes with increased risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other health issues that impact your blood vessels.
According to research, up to one-third of US adults have a metabolic syndrome diagnosis. However, the great news is that if you have any of its symptoms, then health and lifestyle changes can delay or even prevent many of the serious associated health problems.
What Causes Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is closely linked with being overweight, being inactive, and obese. Metabolic syndrome is also linked to insulin resistance; this is a condition where your cells don’t respond normally to insulin and glucose. This results in your blood sugar levels rising, even though your body is creating insulin to try and regulate your levels.
Several factors increase your chances of having metabolic syndrome, including:
Age
your risk increases as you get older
Obesity
carrying excess weight, especially around your abdomen
Diabetes
you’re more at risk if you have diabetes or if your family has a history of type 2 diabetes
Other health conditions
your risk is also higher if you’ve ever had certain health conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or sleep apnea
What Are The Most Common Symptoms?
Unfortunately, many of the disorders associated with the condition don’t always have obvious signs or symptoms. Or the metabolic syndrome symptoms that you notice might overlap with many other health conditions.
Some of the early warning signs:
- A large waist circumference, or excess weight on your stomach
- Increased thirst and urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
When To See a Doctor
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we discussed above, or you know that you already suffer from either diabetes, hypertension, or obesity, then it’s worth checking in with your doctor to see whether you need testing for the other health conditions that make up the syndrome.
Preventative Measures
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we discussed above, or you know that you already suffer from either diabetes, hypertension, or obesity, then it’s worth checking in with your doctor to see whether you need testing for the other health conditions that make up the syndrome.
A commitment to a healthy lifestyle could look like:
Thirty minutes of daily physical activity
Not only is exercise a great way to lose weight, but it can also lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol and boost insulin resistance. Start slowly and work your way up if you’re out of shape.
Get plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains into your diet
Plus, limit the amount of saturated fat and salt in your diet. Again, eating a healthy, balanced diet can improve your cholesterol, insulin resistance and blood pressure, as well as being a great way to lose some weight.
Try to maintain a healthy weight
Staying within a healthy weight range can reduce your risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Quitting smoking
Although smoking isn’t considered a risk factor at present, it dramatically increases your risk of issues with your blood vessels and heart disease.
Treatment With Medication
If lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits aren’t enough to reduce your health risks or you have a more severe case, you may need medication from your doctor to help manage your condition. Remember, all medicines can have side effects, so ensure you speak to a doctor about what might be right for you.
Some of the most common medicines used are:
- High blood pressure medication
- Cholesterol medication
- Diabetes medication
- Low doses of aspirin
Regardless of how you choose to proceed with managing your diagnosis and treatment, it’s always best to consult with a doctor to make the right plan for you and your health moving forwards.
If you have questions about metabolic syndrome, its symptoms, or the best way to prevent and treat the condition, connecting with a doctor in a private and personalized setting has never been easier.
Opt Health is a telehealth platform that reconnects men with wellness, fitness, strength, and sexual vitality through scientific preventative medicine. Metabolic syndrome is just one of the many health conditions our world-class longevity doctors specialize in treating. From your own home, you can schedule with a physician, meet one-on-one via video conference, receive test results, and have medications delivered to your door.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for questions, inquiries, or appointments. Get personalized support and insight from top-tier physicians available 24/7.
