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Metabolic Syndrome
Pronunciation
Definition 1
A condition marked by extra fat around the abdomen, high levels of blood glucose (sugar) when not eating, high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood, low levels of high-density lipoproteins (a type of protein that carries fats) in the blood, and high blood pressure. People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of diabetes mellitus and diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Also called metabolic syndrome X. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
A combination of medical conditions that, when present, increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes mellitus. It includes the following medical conditions: increased blood pressure, central obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, and elevated fasting glucose. (NCI Thesaurus)
More information
Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that put you at risk for heart disease and diabetes. These conditions are
• High blood pressure
• High blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels
• High levels of triglycerides, a type of fat, in your blood
• Low levels of HDL, the good cholesterol, in your blood
• Too much fat around your waist
Not all doctors agree on the definition or cause of metabolic syndrome. The cause might be insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone your body produces to help you turn sugar from food into energy for your body. If you are insulin resistant, too much sugar builds up in your blood, setting the stage for disease. (NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
Also called: Insulin Resistance, Insulin resistance syndrome, Metabolic syndrome X
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