Up to one third of adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome , and its prevalence is on the rise. Metabolic syndrome, also called insulin resistance syndrome, is a cluster of conditions that significantly elevate the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

This condition is highly preventable, so it’s crucial to understand the interplay between these disorders, how they can be treated properly, and what you can do to avoid metabolic syndrome.

The 5 components of metabolic syndrome

Each of the five components of metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance syndrome, increases the likelihood that a person may develop a serious illness. However, a person must have three or more to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The risk of complications like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and strokes increases in direct proportion to the number of these disorders a person develops. These are the five components of metabolic syndrome:

• Hypertension. High blood pressure (hypertension) gradually damages blood vessels, raising the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
• High triglycerides: Triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood, can raise the level of “bad cholesterol,” or LDL.
• Low HDL cholesterol. HDL, called “good cholesterol,” pulls bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream.
• High blood sugar levels. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
• Large waist size: Fat around the waist carries different risks than fat in other places. Abdominal obesity , or “having an apple shape,” means having a waist size of more than 40 inches for males and 35 inches for females.

How these conditions interrelate

Age, family history, genetics and sex (women have a higher risk) are risk factors. However, obesity and insulin resistance appear to be central to metabolic syndrome. An unhealthy diet, a sedentary life and other lifestyle choices can lead to obesity and insulin resistance, but also are risk factors for the other three components.

To see  how these conditions intertwine, let’s consider one possible case of high blood sugar and insulin resistance:

1. Eating too much of the wrong kind of food results in a consistently high level of blood sugar. (It also can lead to obesity, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol.)
2. The amount of sugar in the blood is regulated by insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas to help our cells use sugar to create energy. The pancreas produces more insulin to deal with the high blood sugar levels created by the food you eat.
3. Over time, your cells stop responding properly to insulin and won’t take in enough sugar to produce energy. The cells have developed insulin resistance. Obesity, particularly fat around the belly, also makes it harder for cells to respond to insulin.
4. This resistance leaves more blood in the sugar, so the pancreas has to make more insulin. But you also add to sugar levels by eating too much of the wrong kind of food.
5. Eventually the regulation of blood sugar levels breaks down and you develop Type 2 diabetes. You need to monitor blood sugar levels daily or hourly and take medication. You also are at risk for a host of problems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.

Here’s another example. The immune system sometimes causes extra fat cells to make chemicals that increase inflammation  in your body. This inflammation can lead to damage to your blood vessels. It also can cause insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

In metabolic syndrome, vicious cycles can be created, with each problem worsening another, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses.

Genetics and environmental factors

When it comes to metabolic syndrome, both genetic and environmental variables are major players. Some people may be more likely to develop the syndrome due to inherited susceptibilities to insulin resistance, hypertension, and excessive cholesterol.

Living a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, a lack of good nutrition, and excess body fat are major environmental risks . One of the main causes of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, can develop in people who are inactive and have significant belly fat. Some drugs and long-term stress can also play a role in how this problem starts and worsens.

Preventive measures and lifestyle changes

Management and prevention of metabolic syndrome involves a combination of lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medical interventions. Here are some effective strategies:

Weight management

Reaching and keeping a healthy weight is of utmost importance. A loss of only 7% of excess body weight can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring Type 2 diabetes. Collaborate with your healthcare professional to establish practical objectives for weight loss and choose a method that suits you.

Sleep quality

Maintaining good sleep hygiene is one of the most important healthy habits a person can develop. Sleep apnea and other sleep problems, as well as inadequate sleep, can exacerbate metabolic syndrome. Good sleep is a central part of stress management, sound mental health and overall wellness.

Regular exercise

Maintaining a regular exercise routine is beneficial for cardiovascular health and the fight against insulin resistance. A little more physical activity every day can have a big impact. To find out how much exercise you should be doing based on your current fitness level, talk to your doctor.

Heart-healthy diet

To establish a healthy metabolism, make healthy dietary habits part of your daily routine. This includes eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood and lean meats. Cut back on processed foods, sweets, and harmful fats. The Mediterranean diet  is an excellent example of a balanced diet that promotes heart health. People who are overweight might benefit from nutritional therapy.

Stop smoking

Giving up smoking is one of the biggest steps you can take to leading a healthier life. Smokers are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease because smoking damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and lowers HDL cholesterol.

Medications and surgery

A wide range of medications are available to regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. If lifestyle changes and medicines fail, weight reduction surgery might be considered.

Find expert help

Understanding and addressing metabolic syndrome is crucial for reducing the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

The Internal Medicine team at Florida Medical Clinic can provide comprehensive care for metabolic syndrome management, combining individualized treatment programs with lifestyle counseling. Our experts can monitor and manage risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Our experience in long-term medical management of chronic conditions and preventive care counseling is well suited for treating metabolic syndrome and its root causes. We also work in tandem with other medical professionals to improve your overall health.

About W. Reed Shimberg, MD

Florida Medical Clinic’s Dr. W. Reed Shimberg specializes in internal medicine and treating diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. His dedication to preventive medicine and cancer screening stems from his belief in the need to treat patients on an individual basis.

Dr. Shimberg is committed to making each patient feel like family by offering personalized care. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He is a Tampa native and a Tampa Bay Lightning fan who also enjoys traveling, hiking, CrossFit and Peloton.

Dr. Shimberg is available for same-week consultations, which can be requested online or by calling (813) 875-8453.