Metabolic syndrome is the combination of high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. One challenge presented by this condition is that these diseases often produce few to no symptoms. Yet they put you at high risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, eye problems and foot ulcers.
Sound familiar? That’s because being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome is the first indication you may be diabetic. Unless you take steps to change your lifestyle, eating and exercise habits, you have a strong chance of developing diabetes.
What are the symptoms of metabolic syndrome?
- Increased waist circumference
- MEN: over 40 inches
- WOMEN: over 35 inches
- High triglycerides
- Low HDL
- MEN: less than 40
- WOMEN: less than 50
- High blood pressure
- Impaired fasting glucose
Treating metabolic syndrome includes: taking your medications as prescribed, eating a healthy diet, being physically active every day and losing a little excess weight. |