title: The metabolic syndrome.
abstract: The metabolic syndrome is a common metabolic disorder that results from the increasing prevalence of obesity. The disorder is defined in various ways, but in the near future a new definition(s) will be applicable worldwide. The pathophysiology seems to be largely attributable to insulin resistance with excessive flux of fatty acids implicated. A proinflammatory state probably contributes to the syndrome. The increased risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease demands therapeutic attention for those at high risk. The fundamental approach is weight reduction and increased physical activity; however, drug treatment could be appropriate for diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk reduction.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, PO Box 6511, MS 8106, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Robert.Eckel@UCHSC.edu
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Eckel
authors.forename: Scott M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Grundy
authors.forename: Paul Z
authors.initials: PZ
authors.lastname: Zimmet
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids