According to the American Heart Association nearly 47 million people have metabolic syndrome. That's almost one of every six people. Many people seem to have metabolic syndrome but not everyone understands it. So what exactly is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is a plethora of medical conditions such as increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, an excess of body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels that combined could lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Having one of these medical conditions does not necessarily mean you have metabolic syndrome. However, having one of these medical conditions could increase your chances of potentially getting this disease. Having more than one of these medical conditions combined can put one at even greater risks of getting the disease.
Most of the medical conditions associated with metabolic syndrome show no symptoms however an increasing waistline could be a visible sign. Increased thirst, urination, fatigue, blurry vision, and high blood sugar are signs and symptoms of diabetes. The main causes of metabolic syndrome are obesity and lack of exercise. Metabolic syndrome is also linked to a medical condition called insulin resistance. In people with insulin resistance, cells don't respond normally to insulin, and glucose can't enter the cells as easily. As a result, glucose levels in your blood rise despite your body's attempt to control the glucose by churning out more and more insulin. Insulin resistance can eventually lead to diabetes.
There are several risk factors that can increase one's chances of getting metabolic syndrome. These factors are age, race, obesity, diabetes, and other diseases. Forty percent of people over the age of sixty have a high risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Hispanics and Asians seem to be at greater risk of metabolic syndrome than people of any other race.