Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when the body's tissues become less responsive to insulin, an important hormone that regulates how the body's cells use sugars for energy. Insulin resistance is often a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
A person can be labeled as insulin resistant when her fasting blood sugar levels are more than 115 mg/dl.
High Blood Pressure
Another marker of Metabolic X Syndrome is high blood pressure, or hypertension. A patient is considered to be hypertensive when his blood pressure averages 140/90 or higher.
Patients with Metabolic X Syndrome present with high blood pressure in the majority of cases.
High triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that contributes to heart disease. Patients with Metabolic X Syndrome often have high levels of triglycerides; usually greater than 200 mg/dl.
Patients usually present with low "good", or HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Readings under 40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for women are considered to be too low.
Abdominal obesity
Patients with Metabolic X Syndrome present with abdominal obesity or large amounts of fat in the abdominal region.
Patients with Metabolic X are often overweight or obese as a whole, but in particular, the size of the midsection is likely to be excessive.
Causes
The exact origin of Metabolic X Syndrome is unknown, but a genetic link has been established. If a direct relative has Metabolic X or the symptoms of it, their children or more likely to suffer from it as well.
A diet high in saturated fats and refined sugars may also contribute to the occurrence of Metabolic X Syndrome.
Treatment
The best way to treat Metabolic X Syndrome is through a healthy diet and exercise.
A diet rich in whole grains, fiber, lean meats and dairy and lots of fresh veggies and fruit, along with plentiful cardio exercise, can help to treat Metabolic X Syndrome.
Medications are also prescribed to manage the symptoms of Metabolic X, such as high triglycerides, high blood pressure and high blood sugar.
Tags: Metabolic Syndrome, Patients with, Patients with Metabolic, with Metabolic, blood pressure, high blood, Insulin resistance