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Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a
condition in which individuals have a cluster of risk factors. These risk factors are listed in the
following table. If you have ANY
THREE of the risk factors, you may
have the metabolic syndrome.
People who have the metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance, where
the body's cells are not able to use insulin properly. This is usually associated with
increased insulin levels and abnormal amounts of lipids (fats) in the
blood. Causes of the metabolic
syndrome and heart disease - including type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and
inactivity - occur more often in African Americans than in whites. Your health care provider should assess
you for clinical signs of the metabolic syndrome.
Do you have the Metabolic
Syndrome?
You may have Metabolic
Syndrome if you have any three of the risk factors listed below.
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RISK FACTOR
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DEFINITION
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Abdominal
or central obesity (carry excess weight around the waist)
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Waist circumference
over 40 inches for men or
over 35 inches for women
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Abnormal
fat levels
Elevated triglyceride levels
Low HDL-C (Cholesterol)
level
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over 150
mg/dL
less than
40 mg/dL for men or
over 50
mg/dL for women
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High
blood pressure
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over
130/85 mm Hg
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High
fasting blood glucose (sugar) level
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over 110
mg/dL
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How can I reduce my risk
of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and Metabolic Syndrome?
Find Out Here
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