What is Insulin Resistance Syndrome (aka Metabolic Syndrome X?)
Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS) is also referred to as Metabolic Syndrome, or Metabolic Syndrome X and was previously simply called Syndrome X. Pre-diabetics may also have Metabolic Syndrome X, but pre-diabetes is a separate condition from metabolic syndrome.
Insulin Resistance Syndrome/Metabolic Syndrome XÂ is a combination of problems. It is diagnosed when a patient has at least three factors identified as part of the syndrome.
Diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome X
The syndrome includes:
- Central obesity (an apple shape or a large waistline), where one’s fat is localized around the middle
- High blood pressure
- High triglycerides
- Low HDL-cholesterol
- Insulin resistance (the body can’t properly control blood sugar levels)
The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made if three or more of these factors occur.
Ways you can improve your health
- Exercise, weight loss, and nutrition changes can reduce the risks of metabolic syndrome and the likelihood of getting type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
- Decreasing sodium intake, simple sugars, and low-fiber carbohydrates while adding fish and monounsaturated oils to the diet can improve triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure.
- Exercise and moderate calorie reduction can promote weight loss and decrease central obesity.
- The more components of Metabolic Syndrome XÂ that are improved, the fewer risks to your health.
What is the difference between a syndrome and a disease?
To be diagnosed with a disease a person must meet all specific medical criteria for a particular disease. To be classified as having a syndrome, a person only has to have some of the symptoms or characteristics associated with the particular syndrome.
Related Books From Our Affiliates:
New Glucose Revolution for Metabolic Syndrome
by Dr. Jennie Brand-Miller M.D. , Anthony Leeds , Kaye Foster-Powell , Kaye Foster-Powell B.SC., M. Nutritionist and Dietitian
Written by the leading authorities on the Glycemic Index, The New Glucose Revolution Guide to the Metabolic Syndrome and Your Heart provides readers with the most up-to-date information about using the GI to reduce their risk of having a heart attack. It explains the importance of slowly digested, low-GI carbohydrates, and offers important dietary guidelines for managing blood glucose levels, controlling insulin sensitivity, and losing weight. Also included is a seven-day meal plan and the GI values for hundreds of foods and beverages.
More Books About Metabolic Syndrome
