What is Metabolic Syndrome? Insulin Resistance?

Metabolic Syndrome is a grouping of conditions that can wreak havoc on your health. It can raise your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Look for symptoms like these:

An apple shaped body (belly fat)
High blood pressure
High levels of glucose (sugar) on your blood
Low l levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in your blood
Skin tags
Darkening of skin around neck and elbows
High blood triglycerides

1/3 of Americans have Metabolic Syndrome! Many have no idea they have it. Being overweight (especially in the belly area) is a huge cause of this syndrome. This obesity causes chemicals and hormones to affect your blood sugar so it responds poorly to insulin that your body makes when you eat sugars or carbs.

Women get this syndrome more often than men, and as we age, the risk gets even higher.

How to “fix” this and overcome Metabolic Syndrome? Lifestyle changes. Sorry. I know you have heard this before, but changing the way you eat and walking a bit more can do wonders for your body and mind. In addition, don’t drink a lot of alcohol or smoke. Get plenty of sleep, as well (7-9 hours a night).

Medicines can help get you in better condition to help you make life changes. Meds to lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and bad cholesterol are available.

All in all, though, proper eating and a bit of body movement will make huge differences in your life and extend your life. It’s tough because this syndrome can make losing weight a struggle, and yet you need to lose weight to get rid of Insulin Resistance. Catch 22!