Metabolic syndrome

Overview

Each risk factor improves with exercise and modest weight loss.

Medicines treat blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar as needed.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Usually no symptoms

Less common

• Dark velvety skin in folds
• Tiredness after meals

Look up a symptom: Dark, velvety skin in body folds

When to get medical care

Causes

Insulin resistance, extra belly fat, inactivity, genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older age
• Family history of diabetes

Possible complications

• Diabetes
• Heart attack
• Fatty liver disease

Diagnosis

Checkups find it.

Questions you may be asked

• Family history

The exam

Waist and blood pressure.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood sugar and cholesterol tests:

Treatment

Healthy habits help every part.

Self-care

• Get 150 minutes of activity a week
• Eat more vegetables, fiber, and whole grains
• Cut sugary drinks
• Lose 5 to 10 percent of weight if overweight
• Don't smoke

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent it:

• Stay active
• Healthy weight

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an endocrinologist (hormone doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Each improvement lowers risk.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Which numbers should I work on first?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Metabolic syndrome