Metabolic syndrome

Description of the Disease

This syndrome occurs when insulin resistance leads to metabolic disorders that can result in type 2 diabetes or increase the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases. It is also known as insulin resistance syndrome, metabolic syndrome, or the “deadly quartet.” About 25% of healthy individuals and 85% of those with type 2 diabetes suffer from it.

Risk factors influencing the development of metabolic syndrome include a sedentary lifestyle, a high-carbohydrate diet, and central obesity (fat accumulation around internal organs). The main issue is the body’s impaired biological response to insulin in the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscles. Genetic disorders, neuroendocrine system dysfunction, fetal malnutrition during pregnancy, a high concentration of fatty acids in the blood, and central obesity usually cause this resistance.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms are usually not pronounced. Most individuals with this syndrome are obese, have high body mass indexes, and do not seek medical help. Elevated blood pressure is often the first symptom that concerns them. Doctors then diagnose arterial hypertension (>160/90 mmHg) and prescribe medication for its correction.

Blood tests often reveal elevated lipid and glucose levels. Urine tests may show a small amount of albumin protein.

If hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose levels) is detected, doctors perform further tests to determine whether blood glucose levels exceed the norm after eating or fasting. Based on these results, doctors diagnose type 2 diabetes related to obesity, if present.

Treatment

Treatment aims to prevent type 2 diabetes and heart and vascular diseases. Initially, an individual diet and physical activity plan is established. The patient is continuously monitored, and changes are recorded.

If lifestyle changes are insufficient, doctors prescribe medications such as biguanides (metformin) and thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone) to regulate glucose levels. Statins are also prescribed to reduce lipid levels. Physicians tailor medications for elevated blood pressure to the individual.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology