Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (also known as metabolic syndrome X) is a combination of medical disorders caused by insulin overproduction, and it places many individuals at high risk for diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and obesity (especially abdominal obesity).

The primary problem in metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance. In the body's attempt to compensate for insulin resistance, extra insulin is produced, leading to elevated insulin levels. The elevated insulin levels can lead, directly or indirectly, to the characteristic metabolic abnormalities seen in these patients.

Metabolic syndrome tends to run in families, along with the propensity for type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome will occur in susceptible people who become overweight and sedentary. So, metabolic syndrome (like type 2 diabetes) can most often be prevented with exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight.