The metabolic syndrome--a multifaced disease.
The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a huge public health problem worldwide, being one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease, responsible for a growing number of premature deaths throughout the world. MetS includes a cluster of anomalies, such as: abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance, hypertriglyceridemia etc. The number of people with MetS increases with age, affecting more than 40% of people in their 60s and 70s. About 30% of European people over 50 have MetS. Some experts estimate that as many as two thirds of Americans may be suffering from MetS. The exact cause of MetS is not known: genetics play a minor role, acquired in-utero factors also play a role (prenatal malnutrition, toxin exposure, exposure to high levels of maternal cortisol). For most people, the MetS results primarily from lifestyle factors, such as: chronic stress, inadequate exercise. The MetS can be avoided and reversed in most cases. Weight loss is both a treatment and goal for MetS patients. Moderate weight loss, in the range of 5-10% of body weight, can help restore body's ability to recognize insulin and greatly reduce the chance that the syndrome will evolve into a more serious illness. In most people weight loss will lower blood pressure and improve triglyceride levels. Increased activity alone can improve insulin levels. Physical activity result in a weight loss, improved blood pressure, improved cholesterol and triglyceride level and reduced risk of developing diabetes. It is also important to treat: hyperlipidemia, hypertension, prothrombotic state.
Mota
Maria
M
Clinical Emergency County Hospital, Craiova, Romania. diabetes@umfcv.ro
Pănuş
Camelia
C
Mota
E
E
Lichiardopol
Corina
C
Vladu
Delia
D
Toma
Eva
E
D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology