Metabolic syndrome is defined as the cluster of various conditions, which are interrelated to each other and have a negative effect on the metabolic functioning of the body. Various criteria are defined in the literature for keeping a patient in the criteria of metabolic syndrome. These criteria include central obesity or abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, glucose level in plasma, insulin resistance, level of HDL and Level of triglycerides. Central obesity and insulin resistance are the most important factors to be measured while diagnosing the patient with metabolic syndrome. Proper management of these factors by using various approaches may lead to favorable prognosis and reduce the risk of complications. Metabolic syndrome can be managed with medicines, change in lifestyle and taking a healthy diet.
Prognosis For Metabolic Syndrome
As the metabolic syndrome is the cluster of various conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension among others, the prognosis of the syndrome will depend upon the management of the underlying condition. More effectively the conditions of metabolic syndrome are managed, more favorable the prognosis would be. Metabolic syndrome may lead to cardiac complications such as coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.
The primary reason for this condition is sedentary lifestyle, obesity and the overnutrition that includes eating unhealthy foods. Thus, the conditions related to metabolic syndrome come under the category of lifestyle diseases. The people who have managed the condition without using medicines have favorable prognosis and are at lower risk of complications as compared to people who are taking medicines to manage the disease. This may be due to the reason that medicines in the longer term may cause side effects and also, they may lose their potency, requiring a higher dose.
The best way to manage these conditions is to diagnose it at initial stage and try to manage it through lifestyle changes. The lifestyle changes may include healthy food habits, exercise, good sleep, antioxidants and avoiding sedentary lifestyle. The blood pressure should be maintained with in the advised limit as higher blood pressure may increases the risk of stroke. Triglycerides level and blood sugar level should be kept under control. Efforts should also be done to increases the HDL and decreasing the LDL.
The diet should be low in saturated fats and certain types of proteins while it should be rich in fibrous fruits and grains, juices and vegetables. Exercise and walking are almost mandatory for living a healthy life. There is a significant impact on nervous system due to the inflammatory mediators and free radical generation. This may lead to neuropathy.
Metabolic syndrome may also relate to various diseases including sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and is also known to increase the risk of breast cancer. The life-threatening condition related to metabolic syndrome include atrial fibrillation, ischemia stroke and heart failure. Increased risk of cancer in colon, kidney and prostate gland are under investigation.
- Pregnant women with metabolic syndrome increase the risk of preeclampsia and this risk increases with the complexity of metabolic syndrome.
- Cognitive aging is the new risk associated with metabolic syndrome. It has been found that people with metabolic syndrome have higher chances of losing the cognitive ability with age.
- The condition of metabolic syndrome has favorable prognosis provided this should be diagnosed early and the patient must adhere to treatment.
Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors
Metabolic syndrome is the condition which is accelerated by the occurrence of various risk factors. In fact, the presence of these conditions plays an important role in determining the presence and absence of metabolic syndrome. These factors are interrelated to each other and these factors can be managed by various treatment strategies. The risk factors include impaired fasting glucose and glucose tolerance, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, high triglyceride level and high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Although the condition of metabolic syndrome can be managed with lifestyle changes and medicines and the prognosis of the patient with this condition is favorable, but the basic requirement is to adhere with these treatment approaches, as this will be a chronic therapy and requires a long time to either be treated or managed.
Also Read:
- Can Strength Training Protect You From Metabolic Syndrome?
- How Do You Prevent Metabolic Syndrome?
- What Are The 5 Risk Factors For Metabolic Syndrome?
- What Are The Components Of Metabolic Syndrome?
- What Not To Eat When You Have Metabolic Syndrome?
- What Percentage Of Americans Have Metabolic Syndrome?