Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD
Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in the today’s Western World, and the number of people who struggle with it and its deadly consequences continues to rise. The reason for the increased incidence of metabolic syndrome in the highly industrialized countries is mainly due to the high level of stress, malnutrition, use of over processed food, and physical inactivity. The metabolic derangement includes cardiovascular disease, diabetes 2, abdominal obesity (increased waist circumference), hypertension, high triglycerides, low levels of high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol), and high levels of low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) combined with high fasting glucose levels (insulin resistance).
The terms “metabolic syndrome,” "insulin resistance syndrome,” dysmetabolic syndrome”, “syndrome X," “Syndrome X,” “Raven’s syndrome,” and CHAOS (in Australia) are all synonyms used specifically to define the syndrome as a constellation of symptoms or conditions associated with increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic vascular disease (e.g. heart disease, coronary artery disease and stroke). The cluster of metabolic abnormalities has been also named the “Deadly Quartet” by Kaplan (1989), due to the fact that metabolic syndrome can lead to type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes mellitus), high blood insulin levels, high blood pressure, obesity and poor lipid profile (dyslipidemia) - elevated LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, with increased risk for clotting-heart attack, stroke, gout, kidney failure and Alzheimer disease.
The syndrome comprises an accumulation of different and mutually intensifying diseases and risk factors, which mostly share the same causes. Actually, metabolic syndrome is a known as a cluster of disorders, affected by both genetics and lifestyle intrinsic and extrinsic factors. It affects a large number of people in a clustered fashion. In some studies it is calculated as being up to 25% of the population in USA. It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes) anywhere from 9-30 times that of the normal population and despite studies vary the risk of heart disease increases 2-4 times over the normal population.
There are also other concerns as well as fat accumulation in the liver (also known as fatty liver), resulting in chronic inflammation and the potential for degenerative cirrhosis. The kidneys can also be affected, as there is an association with microalbuminuria- the leaking of protein into the urine, a subtle but clear indication of kidney damage. Other problems associated with metabolic syndrome include obstructive sleep apnea, polycystic ovary syndrome (POOS), increased risk of dementia with aging, and rapid cognitive decline in the elderly.
The main features of metabolic syndrome include insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), cholesterol abnormalities, and an increased risk for clotting. It is a cluster of conditions that occur together in one the same person. It is increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Having just one of these conditions- increased blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess body fat around the waist or abnormal cholesterol levels- is not a guarantee that you have metabolic syndrome, but it does contribute to the risk of it. If more than one of these conditions occurs in combination, the risk is even greater.
What remains yet controversial is whether metabolic syndrome should be considered a coronary equivalent or not. There is also a debate as to whether it is obesity or insulin resistance that causes metabolic syndrome, or if the syndrome is a result of a greater metabolic cause. Insulin resistance refers to the diminished ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in promoting the transport of the sugar glucose, from blood into muscles and other tissues. Because of the main role that insulin resistance plays in the metabolic syndrome, a separate part of the study as devoted to insulin resistance. The literature research depicts that long with regular medical checkups few tests will help to diagnose and monitor the syndrome (Grundy et al., 2005). Excess of insulin can cause fat storage. When excess insulin is secreted in response to excess sugar consumption, the blood sugar (glucose) is stored in fat cells. Normally, the glucose is used by the cells of the body and mostly stored in the muscles and the liver. But when there is more than the body can use, insulin forces fat cells to take in blood lipids called triglycerides and fat cells grow.
Metabolic syndrome can remain latent for years, masquerading as other diseases like: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), attention deficit disorder (ADD), obesity, kidney failure with edema (fluid retention), bipolar disorder, etc. Despite the serious cardiovascular risk posed by metabolic syndrome, there is currently no standard, accepted interventional treatment regimen to prevent the disorder. However, for those at greatest risk for metabolic syndrome, phenotypic nutrition allows nutritionists to tailor a nutrient and supplement strategy to amplify beneficial biochemical pathways as well as gene expression.
Mechanism of appearance (Pathogenesis): An important pathogenic factor is the insulin-resistance which is often a consequence of increased obesity.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of:
1. Abdominal obesity (waist circumference: Men — waist greater than 40 inches; Women — waist greater than 35 inches
2. Triglycerides — greater than 150 mg/dl
3. HDL Cholesterol — less than 50 mg/dl in women, and less than 40mg/dl in men
4. Blood pressure — greater than 130/ 85 mm Hg
5. Fasting glucose — greater than 110 mg/dl
To be diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome one must present the following:
Central obesity (waist circumference) greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women
Fasting blood triglycerides greater than or equal to 150 mg/dl
Blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL) of less than 40 mg/dl for men and less than 50 mg/dl for women
Blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/85 mmHg
Fasting glucose greater than or equal to 110 mg/dL.
Fasting plasma glucose test. This convenient test measures blood glucose after at least 8-12 hours of fasting. It is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes
Oral glucose tolerance test. This highly sensitive test, which is used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes, measures blood glucose after fasting for at least 8 hours and 2 hours after a glucose-containing beverage.
Casual (random) plasma glucose test. This test measures blood glucose no matter when last meal was eaten. This test, along with other symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes but not pre-diabetes.
Tests you must request:
1. Fasting blood sugar or three-hour glucose tolerance test (diagnoses pre-diabetes).
2. Iron panel — includes ferritin, tranferrin, iron-binding capacity and free iron level.
3. Cholesterol (with complete breakdown of subtypes) -- LDL, HDL, VLDL, and Triglycerides levels.
4. Independent risk factors: homocysteine, Lp(a), fibrinogen and CRP.
5. Blood pressure frequent monitoring.
6. Waist measurement and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation.
7. C-reactive protein test (CRP) and Homocysteine test. The above tests measure the rate of inflammation.
8. Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglyceride test. The above tests measure the level of dyslipidemia.
9. Urine test for microalbuminuria.
10. Hemoglobin A1C (measures the chronic blood sugar glycation control). Hb (A1) or glycosilated (glycated) test. This Hb is a form that is implicated in the diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy and Type 2 diabetes.
Note* Test-results that come back positive for diabetes should be confirmed by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test on a different day. If one has been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, there are a number of different ways to monitor it. Your MD will select the right drug, or procedure, while the ND- the correct diet, nutraceutical, herb or lifestyle changing approach.
The terms “metabolic syndrome,” "insulin resistance syndrome,” dysmetabolic syndrome”, “syndrome X," “Syndrome X,” “Raven’s syndrome,” and CHAOS (in Australia) are all synonyms used specifically to define the syndrome as a constellation of symptoms or conditions associated with increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic vascular disease (e.g. heart disease, coronary artery disease and stroke). The cluster of metabolic abnormalities has been also named the “Deadly Quartet” by Kaplan (1989), due to the fact that metabolic syndrome can lead to type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes mellitus), high blood insulin levels, high blood pressure, obesity and poor lipid profile (dyslipidemia) - elevated LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, with increased risk for clotting-heart attack, stroke, gout, kidney failure and Alzheimer disease.
The syndrome comprises an accumulation of different and mutually intensifying diseases and risk factors, which mostly share the same causes. Actually, metabolic syndrome is a known as a cluster of disorders, affected by both genetics and lifestyle intrinsic and extrinsic factors. It affects a large number of people in a clustered fashion. In some studies it is calculated as being up to 25% of the population in USA. It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes) anywhere from 9-30 times that of the normal population and despite studies vary the risk of heart disease increases 2-4 times over the normal population.
There are also other concerns as well as fat accumulation in the liver (also known as fatty liver), resulting in chronic inflammation and the potential for degenerative cirrhosis. The kidneys can also be affected, as there is an association with microalbuminuria- the leaking of protein into the urine, a subtle but clear indication of kidney damage. Other problems associated with metabolic syndrome include obstructive sleep apnea, polycystic ovary syndrome (POOS), increased risk of dementia with aging, and rapid cognitive decline in the elderly.
The main features of metabolic syndrome include insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), cholesterol abnormalities, and an increased risk for clotting. It is a cluster of conditions that occur together in one the same person. It is increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Having just one of these conditions- increased blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess body fat around the waist or abnormal cholesterol levels- is not a guarantee that you have metabolic syndrome, but it does contribute to the risk of it. If more than one of these conditions occurs in combination, the risk is even greater.
What remains yet controversial is whether metabolic syndrome should be considered a coronary equivalent or not. There is also a debate as to whether it is obesity or insulin resistance that causes metabolic syndrome, or if the syndrome is a result of a greater metabolic cause. Insulin resistance refers to the diminished ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in promoting the transport of the sugar glucose, from blood into muscles and other tissues. Because of the main role that insulin resistance plays in the metabolic syndrome, a separate part of the study as devoted to insulin resistance. The literature research depicts that long with regular medical checkups few tests will help to diagnose and monitor the syndrome (Grundy et al., 2005). Excess of insulin can cause fat storage. When excess insulin is secreted in response to excess sugar consumption, the blood sugar (glucose) is stored in fat cells. Normally, the glucose is used by the cells of the body and mostly stored in the muscles and the liver. But when there is more than the body can use, insulin forces fat cells to take in blood lipids called triglycerides and fat cells grow.
Metabolic syndrome can remain latent for years, masquerading as other diseases like: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), attention deficit disorder (ADD), obesity, kidney failure with edema (fluid retention), bipolar disorder, etc. Despite the serious cardiovascular risk posed by metabolic syndrome, there is currently no standard, accepted interventional treatment regimen to prevent the disorder. However, for those at greatest risk for metabolic syndrome, phenotypic nutrition allows nutritionists to tailor a nutrient and supplement strategy to amplify beneficial biochemical pathways as well as gene expression.
Mechanism of appearance (Pathogenesis): An important pathogenic factor is the insulin-resistance which is often a consequence of increased obesity.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of:
1. Abdominal obesity (waist circumference: Men — waist greater than 40 inches; Women — waist greater than 35 inches
2. Triglycerides — greater than 150 mg/dl
3. HDL Cholesterol — less than 50 mg/dl in women, and less than 40mg/dl in men
4. Blood pressure — greater than 130/ 85 mm Hg
5. Fasting glucose — greater than 110 mg/dl
To be diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome one must present the following:
Central obesity (waist circumference) greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women
Fasting blood triglycerides greater than or equal to 150 mg/dl
Blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL) of less than 40 mg/dl for men and less than 50 mg/dl for women
Blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/85 mmHg
Fasting glucose greater than or equal to 110 mg/dL.
Fasting plasma glucose test. This convenient test measures blood glucose after at least 8-12 hours of fasting. It is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes
Oral glucose tolerance test. This highly sensitive test, which is used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes, measures blood glucose after fasting for at least 8 hours and 2 hours after a glucose-containing beverage.
Casual (random) plasma glucose test. This test measures blood glucose no matter when last meal was eaten. This test, along with other symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes but not pre-diabetes.
Tests you must request:
1. Fasting blood sugar or three-hour glucose tolerance test (diagnoses pre-diabetes).
2. Iron panel — includes ferritin, tranferrin, iron-binding capacity and free iron level.
3. Cholesterol (with complete breakdown of subtypes) -- LDL, HDL, VLDL, and Triglycerides levels.
4. Independent risk factors: homocysteine, Lp(a), fibrinogen and CRP.
5. Blood pressure frequent monitoring.
6. Waist measurement and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation.
7. C-reactive protein test (CRP) and Homocysteine test. The above tests measure the rate of inflammation.
8. Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglyceride test. The above tests measure the level of dyslipidemia.
9. Urine test for microalbuminuria.
10. Hemoglobin A1C (measures the chronic blood sugar glycation control). Hb (A1) or glycosilated (glycated) test. This Hb is a form that is implicated in the diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy and Type 2 diabetes.
Note* Test-results that come back positive for diabetes should be confirmed by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test on a different day. If one has been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, there are a number of different ways to monitor it. Your MD will select the right drug, or procedure, while the ND- the correct diet, nutraceutical, herb or lifestyle changing approach.
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http://www.examiner.com/x-49392-Milwaukee-Diets-Examiner?showbio
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an on line or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an on line or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.
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