What is the Metabolic Syndrome, or Syndrome X?

The Metabolic Syndrome, otherwise known as Syndrome X, is a term that describes a collection or cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) and type 2 diabetes, that occur together. The main causes of this syndrome are genetic and lifestyle factors, especially being overweight or obese and physically inactive.

There is no internationally agreed definition of the syndrome. Generally it is defined as including two or more of the following conditions:

• Impaired Glucose Tolerance – The body can’t properly use blood sugar, resulting in raised blood sugar levels (not within the normal range).
• High blood pressure / hypertension.
• High blood triglycerides – Triglycerides are a type of fat that promotes the build up of fatty deposits in the walls of your arteries.
• Low blood levels of ‘good’ (or HDL) cholesterol.
• ‘Insulin resistance’ – A condition in which Insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels, is not used effectively by the body.
• Obesity – Excess body fat around the abdomen or waist region is particularly of concern, as fat in this region is linked with a number of health problems.

All of these individual conditions are interlinked, and one condition is generally a risk factor for another. Therefore, managing at least one of these conditions will improve the others, and in turn, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Reducing you risk must involve making dietary changes, increasing your level of physical activity, and managing your weight.