Metabolic syndrome

metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that occur together and raise your risk for serious diseases. It usually includes carrying extra fat around the waist, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high levels of triglycerides, and low levels of the good cholesterol known as HDL. Doctors commonly say metabolic syndrome is present when a person has any three of these five conditions. A core issue behind it is insulin resistance, which means the body does not use the hormone insulin effectively to control blood sugar. Things that increase the chance of developing it include excess weight (especially belly fat), a sedentary lifestyle, older age, and family history. This condition matters because it significantly raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, even if you feel fine at the moment. Metabolic syndrome can be largely silent, so regular checkups and routine blood tests are important for catching it early. The good news is that it is often reversible or manageable: losing weight, improving diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar can all help. In some cases, doctors also prescribe medicines to treat high blood pressure, cholesterol, or elevated glucose when lifestyle changes alone are not enough. Understanding and addressing metabolic syndrome early gives you the best chance to prevent more serious illness later, and working with a healthcare provider helps create a practical plan for screening and treatment.