Metabolic syndrome is the collection of factors that increase the risk of developing lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when three or more of the following are present:
Elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
Central adiposity (higher weight circumference)
High blood triglycerides
Low levels of “good cholesterol” or low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol)
Impaired fasting glucose levels (pre-diabetes) or diabetes
Each of these factors can be addressed through lifestyle modification: diet, exercise, stress management and sleep. Addressing each of these factors will reduce overall risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.