Pre-Diabetes

Frequently Asked Questions About Insulin Resistance and Pre-Diabetes

List of all Pre-Diabetes FAQs

 

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.

Insulin Resistance Syndrome/Metabolic Syndrome X is a combination of problems. It is diagnosed when a patient has at least three factors identified as part of the syndrome.

 

Metabolic Syndrome X or Insulin Resistance 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.

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 X 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.

 

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Overcoming Metabolic Syndrome

Overcoming Metabolic Syndrome

27% of Americans Have Metabolic Syndrome! It’s now estimated that 55 million Americans have metabolic syndrome; however, if you’re like most Americans, you may not have ever heard of the syndrome much less understand how it increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Metabolic syndrome actually is a cluster of disorders, all of which are affected by both genetics and lifestyle.

 

Metabolic Syndrome Survivial Guide

Metabolic Syndrome Survival Guide

This book describes how to identify Metabolic Syndrome, how to avoid it and treat it.

 

Syndrome X - The Silent Killer, Gerald Reaven, M.D.

Syndrome X: The Silent Killer

People with Syndrome X have very high insulin levels, along with high blood fats and unusually small and dense particles of LDL (low-density lipoprotein)--the dangerous stuff. Diets high in carbohydrates or protein--like the American Heart Association and Zone diets--actually lead to more insulin production.

The solutions to the problem start with a low-carbohydrate diet that's high in unsaturated fats--fish, nuts, oils, and margarine and mayonnaise made from safflower oil.