Metabolic syndrome is not one disease, but a group of different health problems that generally show up together. These include high blood sugar, extra fat around the belly, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol levels.
Any one of these health problems on its own can be serious. But when they show up at the same time, they create a bigger problem and increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and even stroke.
Below, our endocrinology specialists in East Chicago, Indiana are going to explain everything you should know about this condition.
What is it?
Metabolic syndrome means you have more than one health problem at the same time. It is also called “insulin resistance syndrome” because a big part of this condition is how your body stops responding well to insulin.
Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas, and it is supposed to help your cells take sugar from your blood so they can turn it into energy your body can use. But if your body does not respond to insulin properly, sugar builds up in your blood. This extra sugar in the blood can then cause other problems, like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Doctors look for five specific risk factors when diagnosing metabolic syndrome. If you have at least three, it could mean you have the condition. The signs include:
- A large waist (over 40 inches for men, or 35 inches for women)
- High triglycerides (150 mg/dL or more)
- Low HDL (the “good” cholesterol)
- High blood pressure (130/85 or higher)
- High fasting blood sugar (100 mg/dL or more)
Many people don’t even know they have metabolic syndrome because the signs don’t usually come all at once and don’t cause any pain. But these are all signs that can be measured with simple tests or during a checkup.
Why does it happen?
Metabolic syndrome does not have a single cause. It happens because of a mix of things that build up slowly over time.
One of the biggest reasons is carrying extra weight, especially if most of that weight is around your belly. Not exercising enough is also a common cause. A lack of physical activity makes it easier for these health problems to take hold and harder to reverse them.
Stress also plays a part. Long-term stress can change your hormones in ways that lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol.
Poor sleep makes the problem worse. If you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more stress hormones like cortisol and becomes less able to use insulin correctly.
When all these things happen together (weight gain, lack of exercise, poor sleep, and stress), they create the perfect setup for metabolic issues. An endocrinology specialist in East Chicago, Indiana can connect the dots and explain how these things are working together in your body.
What can you do about it?
The first and most important thing you can do is make some basic changes to how you live. Eating healthier food, getting some exercise, and losing a little weight can make a big impact. If you are overweight, losing only 3-5% of your body weight can lower your cholesterol and blood sugar.
Try to be active most days of the week. Even just 30 minutes of walking, biking, or any form of physical activity can be a great start.
Eat more vegetables, fruit, lean protein, and whole grains. Try to cut back on sugar, salty snacks, and fried food.
Sometimes, healthy changes are not enough on their own. If your numbers stay high, your endocrinology specialist in East Chicago, Indiana might add medications to manage your blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar. These should always go together with lifestyle improvements — not replace them.
The main takeaway is that metabolic syndrome can be prevented in most cases. And even if you have it, it can be reversed.
Looking for an Affordable Endocrinology Specialist in East Chicago, Indiana?
Are you looking for an experienced endocrinology specialist in East Chicago, Indiana who can help you reduce the risk of health conditions linked to metabolic syndrome? If so, 219 Health Network is here for you. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule a visit with one of our specialists.