What is Syndrome X (Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Resistance Syndrome)?
Abnormalities in glucose and lipid (blood fats) metabolism, obesity, and high blood pressure occur together commonly enough in the same individuals as to suggest that they are somehow interrelated. In fact, this cluster of abnormalities has come to be known as a syndrome, going by a variety of name, including Syndrome X, the Deadly Quartet, Insulin Resistance Syndrome and the Metabolic Syndrome. What seems to connect the various features of the syndrome together is something called insulin resistance: that is, a reduced sensitivity in the tissues of the body to the action of insulin, which is, importantly, to bring glucose into those tissues to be used as a source of energy. When insulin resistance, or reduced insulin sensitivity exists, the body attempts to overcome this resistance by secreting more insulin from the pancreas. This compensatory state of hyperinsulinemia (high insulin levels in the blood) is felt to be a marker for the syndrome. The development of Type II, or non-insuli
