Discuss the characteristics and prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Can this condition be treated or prevented?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers may vary.A chronic rise in insulin seems to trigger a series of abnormalities referred to as the metabolic syndrome. These abnormal conditions include abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, high blood glucose, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and an increased blood-clotting mechanism. All of these conditions increase the risk for CHD and other diabetes-related conditions (blindness, infection, nerve damage, kidney failure, etc.).?Currently, more than 30 percent of Americans 20 years of age and older (about 50 million Americans) have metabolic syndrome. And according to World Health Organization estimates, one-fifth of the world adult population is afflicted by this condition.People with metabolic syndrome have an abnormal insulin response to carbohydrates, in particular high-glycemic foods. Research on metabolic syndrome indicates that a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet may not be the best for preventing CHD and actually could increase the risk for the disease in individuals with high insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. It might be best for these people to distribute daily caloric intake so that 45 percent of the calories are derived from carbohydrates (primarily low-glycemic carbohydrates), 35 to 40 percent from fat, and 15 percent from protein. Most of the 35 to 40 percent fat calories should come from mono- and polyunsaturated fats and less than 6 percent from saturated fat.?Individuals with metabolic syndrome also benefit from weight loss (if overweight), exercise, and smoking cessation. Insulin resistance drops by about 40 percent in overweight people who lose 20 pounds. A total of 45 minutes of daily aerobic exercise enhances insulin efficiency by 25 percent. Quitting smoking also decreases insulin resistance.