Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiometabolic Health
What Is Metabolic Syndrome? 5 Risk Factors Explained
Written by Dr. Ajay V. Kaduskar, Diabetologist, Nagpur
MD (Medicine), PGDHSc (Diabetology), FEACD (The Netherlands)
Published · 4 min read
Quick answer
Metabolic syndrome is usually diagnosed when a person has at least three of five risk factors: a large waist, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, activity and a healthier diet, can improve all of them.
Metabolic syndrome is not a single disease. It is a group of related problems that often appear together and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
The five risk factors
1. large waist
Excess fat around the abdomen. Cut-offs are lower for South Asians than for many other groups.
2. high blood pressure
Blood pressure above the target range, or treatment for it.
3. high blood sugar
Raised fasting sugar or treatment for diabetes.
4. high triglycerides
Raised levels of this blood fat.
5. low HDL cholesterol
Low levels of the "good" cholesterol.
Why it matters
Together these factors raise the risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke and fatty liver.
How it is diagnosed
Measurements of waist, blood pressure and blood tests for sugar and lipids. Your doctor interprets them together.
How to reduce the risk
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Lose excess weight, especially abdominal fat
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Exercise regularly
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Eat more vegetables, whole grains and pulses
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Cut sugar, refined carbohydrates and fried foods
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Stop smoking and limit alcohol
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Treat blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol as advised
Points to keep
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Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors.
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Three of five make the diagnosis.
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It raises diabetes and heart risk.
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Lifestyle change helps all components.
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Early action matters.
Catching it early gives you time to act. For an assessment, you can consult Dr. Ajay V. Kaduskar at Niramay Clinics in Nagpur.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for chest pain, breathlessness, confusion, vomiting, or symptoms of very high or very low sugar.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
No, but it greatly raises the risk of developing it.
Many people improve with weight loss and healthier habits.
Some people do for blood pressure, sugar or cholesterol.
Usually not, apart from signs such as a larger waist.
Yes. Some people with a normal weight still have the risk factors.
Your doctor will advise based on your risk.
Related reading
- Full guide: metabolic syndrome
- Fatty Liver and Diabetes: Why They Occur Together
- Belly Fat, Diabetes and Metabolic Health: Why Waist Matters
- Diabetes and Heart Disease: The Metabolic Risk Link
- What Is Insulin Resistance? Symptoms and Causes
- Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Which Tests You Need
- High Triglycerides, Diabetes and Obesity: What Is the Link?
If you would like advice suited to your own reports and medicines, you can book an appointment or visit Niramay Clinics in Dhantoli, Nagpur.
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