What are the symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) and how do they relate to Insulin Resistance?
Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by having at least three of the following symptoms: • Insulin Resistance (when the body can’t absorb blood sugar or insulin properly) • Abdominal fat – in men this means a 40 inch waist or larger, in women 35 inches or larger • High blood sugar levels – at least 110 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) after fasting • High triglycerides – greater than 150 mg/dL in the blood stream • HDL (the “good” cholesterol) – less than 40 mg/dL if male or less than 50 mg/DL if female • Excess plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) in the blood • Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or higher • Elevated fibrinogen of greater than 400 mg/dl • A family history of heart disease, diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure • More than 20 lbs overweight • A “spare tire” or apple-shaped body • Exercise less than 2 times per week • Crave sweets and carbohydrates Key factors in the development of Metabolic Syndrome are weight gain and obesity, which, in turn, can be caused by Insulin
