Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a term that designates a set of metabolic dysfunctions that put an individual at risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. It is defined by characterization incorporating features like abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, atherogenic lipoprotein pattern, hypertension, and elevated levels of inflammation markers. It occurs through a disruption in maintaining homeostasis in the body, resulting in systemic derangement (Andrews, 2017).
Metabolic syndrome increases both morbidity and mortality, and early intervention and management become a necessity in such a scenario. Patients with metabolic syndrome present with weakness, poor blood sugar level control, and a high propensity for developing complications such as kidney disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Theories Explaining Metabolic Syndrome
Two main theories underlie metabolic syndrome’s etiology: oxidative stress and low-grade systemic inflammation. One theory states that chronic systemic inflammation is the cause of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Inflammation may be triggered by obesity, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity and may lead to metabolic dysfunction (Henning, 2021). The other theory states that oxidative stress, which is accountable for causing damage to structures within cells and impairing glucose metabolism, is a central factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.
Oxidative stress exacerbates cardiovascular disease, and both theories reflect a multifaceted interrelationship between metabolic disease and metabolic syndrome development (Masenga et al., 2023). Lifestyle and environmental factors, such as physical inactivity and unhealthy diet, exacerbate the disease; thus, preventive measures become significant according to both theories.
Factors that Must Be Present for Metabolic Syndrome
A person is said to have a case of metabolic syndrome when the following clinical factors occur: abdominal obesity with a waist circumference >102 cm in males and >88 cm in females, hypertriglyceridemia with a level of >150 mg/dL, low level of HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL in males and <50 mg/dL in females, high blood pressure >130/85 mmHg, and high level of sugar in blood >100 mg/dL (Jorge Luis Díaz-Ortega et al., 2023). All these factors denote a systemic imbalance in an individual, enhancing susceptibility to long-term disease and necessitating immediate medical care and life change. In most cases, a patient will not even become aware of symptoms initially, and most cases develop over a long time.
Recommendations for High-Risk Persons
For those with a genetic predisposition to metabolic syndrome, preventive measures are essential. Physical activities like brisk walking for 30 minutes per day, five days per week, benefit insulin and cardiovascular health. A balanced diet, particularly a Mediterranean-type diet rich in whole grain foods, healthy fats, and lean protein, decreases oxidative stress and inflammation (US Department of Agriculture, 2024). Maintaining a healthy weight through prudent control of caloric intake and including strength training can negate the onset of metabolic derangement.
Regular screening tests for blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure allow for early diagnosis and intervention, reducing disease progression. Avoidance of cigarette smoking and moderation of alcohol consumption also decrease the onset of complications for metabolic syndrome (Dobrowolski et al., 2022). In the community and clinical setting, nutrition and exercise must be emphasized educationally to support healthy lifestyles.
Recommendations for Treatment of the Syndrome
Once one is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, the following medical and life changes must be adopted in the management of the syndrome. Changing one’s diet, exercising regularly, and weight loss form the first and most critical intervention. Exercise in terms of cardiovascular and resistance training plays a significant role in enhancing cardiovascular function and sugar metabolism (Powers, 2023). In cases with severe abnormalities, drugs such as antihypertensives, statins, and insulin sensitizers become a necessity.
Practices such as stress management through mindfulness and sleep contribute toward overall metabolic fitness. Behavior therapy and group therapy sessions can facilitate the adoption and maintenance of healthy behavior (Powers, 2023). Monitoring and follow-up with medical professionals ensure effective and personalized interventions for each patient.
References
Andrews, R. (2017, August 21). 25+ nutrition and lifestyle strategies to lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Plus an Alzheimer’s Prevention Quiz to see how you’re doing. Precision Nutrition. https://www.precisionnutrition.com/prevent-alzheimers-and-neurodegenerative-disease
Dobrowolski, P., Prejbisz, A., Kuryłowicz, A., Baska, A., Burchardt, P., Chlebus, K., Dzida, G., Jankowski, P., Jaroszewicz, J., Jaworski, P., Kamiński, K., Kapłon-Cieślicka, A., Klocek, M., Kukla, M., Mamcarz, A., Mastalerz-Migas, A., Narkiewicz, K., Ostrowska, L., Śliż, D., & Tarnowski, W. (2022). Metabolic syndrome – A new definition and management guidelines. Archives of Medical Science, 18(5), 1133–1156. https://doi.org/10.5114/aoms/152921
Henning, R. J. (2021). Obesity and obesity-induced inflammatory disease contribute to atherosclerosis: a review of the pathophysiology and treatment of obesity. American Journal of Cardiovascular Disease, 11(4), 504. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8449192/
Jorge Luis Díaz-Ortega, Irma Luz Yupari-Azabache, Caballero, A., Nelson Enrique Conde-Parada, & Gamboa, A. (2023). Criteria in the Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome in Children: A Scoping Review. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, Volume 16, 3489–3500. https://doi.org/10.2147/dmso.s430360
Masenga, S. K., Kabwe, L. S., Chakulya, M., & Annet Kirabo. (2023). Mechanisms of oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(9), 7898–7898. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24097898
Powers, S. (2023). Exercise physiology: Theory and application to fitness and performance (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781266201882
US Department of Agriculture. (2024). MyPlate. MyPlate; US Department of Agriculture. https://www.myplate.gov/
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Question
- Define the metabolic syndrome. Briefly discuss the two theories that describe the condition, including the interrelationships of various metabolic disorders. Which factors must be present for a person to be considered as having metabolic syndrome?What might be your professional recommendations for a person who is at risk due to genetics to prevent metabolic syndrome? What might be your professional recommendations for treatment of the syndrome after diagnosis?
- Powers, S. (2023). Exercise Physiology:
Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https:// online.vitalsource.com/books/ 9781266201882 -
- Chapters: 15-17
- 11th ed
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Metabolic Syndrome
06 Weblinks
Chronic Disease and Graded Exercise Tests
Below are links to resources that will complement the material covered this week.
- Precision Nutrition – A lifestyle education and solutions company made up of the top experts in the fields of health, fitness, and human performance who are devoted to helping people perform at the top of their game.
- “25+ nutrition and lifestyle strategies to lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease”
- https://www.
precisionnutrition.com/ prevent-alzheimers-and- neurodegenerative-disease Links to an external site.
- https://www.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention –The following link is dedicated to helping the public prevent chronic disease, and includes open access, research-based articles.
- https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/index.
htmLinks to an external site.
- https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/index.
- “25+ nutrition and lifestyle strategies to lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease”
- Choose My Plate – Government site that provides practical information to individuals, health professionals, nutrition educators, and the food industry to help consumers make healthy choices. The following link includes an online physical activity tracker and other free resources.
- https://www.choosemyplate.gov/
Links to an external site.
- https://www.choosemyplate.gov/
