Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is not a disease in itself but a constellation of physiological risk factors that significantly elevate an individual's propensity for chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Diagnosis typically requires the presence of three or more specific clinical criteria related to central adiposity, blood pressure, and circulating lipid/glucose levels. Understanding this cluster is paramount.
The underlying pathophysiology involves insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation, linking the individual components of the syndrome. Intervention focuses predominantly on intensive adjustments to daily habits, including nutritional improvements that prioritize whole foods and consistent engagement in physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity. Addressing these modifiable risk factors simultaneously is key to reducing the overall compounded cardiovascular and metabolic danger profile experienced by the individual.
The precise mechanisms that link the disparate components of the syndrome are complex but centrally involve a state of insulin resistance, where cells do not respond effectively to the…