Metabolic syndrome involves having at least 3 out of 5 health conditions that increase your risk of cardiovascular disease,stroke and Type 2 diabetes. It can cause other complications as well. Each condition is treatable with lifestyle changes and/ or medication.

Other names for metabolic syndrome include:

• Syndrome X.
• Insulin resistance syndrome.
• Dysmetabolic syndrome.

Criteria for metabolic syndrome :

A person meets the criteria for metabolic syndrome if they have at least three of the following:

Excess abdominal weight: A waist circumference of more than 40
inches in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and 35
inches in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB)

• Hypertriglyceridemia: Triglyceridelevels that are 150 milligrams per
  deciliter of blood (mg/dL) or greater.
• Low levels of HDL cholesterol: HDL cholesterol of less than 40 mg/
  dL in men and people AMAB or less than 50 mg/dL in women and
  people AFAB.
• Elevated blood sugar levels: Fasting blood sugar level of 100 mg/dL
  or greater. If it’s 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have prediabetes. If it’s over
  125 mg/dL, you likely have Type 2 diabetes.
• High blood pressure: Blood pressure values of systolic 130 mmHg or
  higher (the top number) and/or diastolic 85 mmHg or higher (the
  bottom number).

All of these conditions individually increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and stroke. But when you have three or more, your risk increases significantly. You should see a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome as a warning sign to try to change aspects of your health to lower your risk.

The main goals of treating metabolic syndrome are to lower your risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes if you don’t already have them. Treatment can involve medications and/or lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes to manage metabolic syndrome :

1. Maintaining or working toward a weight that’s
2. Healthy for you
3. Regular exercise
4. Healthy diet
5. Quality sleep
6. Quit smoking
7. Stress management

Is this condition reversible ?

Yes, it’s possible to reverse metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle changes can do a lot to improve your health. Medications can help as well. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the best plan for you.