Metabolic profile, i.e. what tests for people with overweight and hypertension?

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Hailed as an epidemic of the 20st century, it already affects XNUMX percent. Poles. The metabolic syndrome is a life-threatening disorder of metabolic functions, which consists of a number of factors. Undiagnosed and untreated, it may end in ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and eventually death. How is it diagnosed and treated?

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X, is a problem that affects every fifth Pole. Bad diet, lack of exercise and, as a result, overweight and obesity are the main causes of its formation. It is assumed that the metabolic syndrome can be considered if a patient is diagnosed with abdominal obesity (94 cm of waist circumference in men and 80 cm in women) and two of the following factors:

  1. fasting glucose greater than 100 mg / dL, or while the patient is being treated for type 2 diabetes;
  2. blood triglyceride levels greater than 150 mg / dL;
  3. blood levels of HDL (good cholesterol) lower than 50 mg / dL in women and 40 mg / dL in men;
  4. blood pressure higher than 130/85 mm Hg.

Why does metabolic syndrome occur? To this day, experts do not agree on this. According to some, genetics and the inheritance of the tendency to obesity and hypertension are to blame. Others point to the modern times as the reason for it, in which constant access to food means that our body does not have time to learn about the feeling of hunger and burn stored fat. As a result, the ring around the abdomen keeps getting bigger, which leads to the development of hypertension, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

A bad diet, stress or lack of exercise are just some of the factors that can negatively affect our metabolism. If you experience disturbing symptoms, start with diagnostics. You can buy a preventive blood test package detecting metabolic disorders at Medonet Market and perform it throughout the country.

  1. Find out about proven ways to speed up your metabolism

Untreated metabolic syndrome – is it serious?

Experts agree that the metabolic syndrome announced as an epidemic of the XNUMXst century is mainly the domain of highly developed countries. Lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet lead to a number of life-threatening consequences. The first is atherosclerosis, which is a disease of the arteries that obstructs the lumen of a blood vessel. Its effect is ischemic heart disease, stroke, aortic aneurysms, carotid stenosis and limb ischemia. The consequences of these conditions can have dramatic consequences.

In order to prevent them, proper and timely diagnosis is so important. So if the belly button grows and the weight mercilessly shows overweight or, worse, obesity, let’s do studies on the metabolic profilewhich will allow the detection of metabolic abnormalities.

Metabolic problems can have very serious consequences. If you are concerned about your symptoms or have had negative test results, please consult your doctor. Make an online teleconsultation with an internist at haloDoctor.pl today.

Metabolic profile – what tests?

In the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, it is necessary to perform a series of tests that will allow not only the diagnosis, but also the assessment of the advancement of the problem. Only a complete set of test results will allow the doctor to create a complete picture of the disease. The tests that are part of the metabolic profile include:

  1. Glucose. Sleepiness, constant fatigue, frequent urination and fainting are the first symptoms of diabetes developing in the body. The result of a blood glucose test will be used to confirm the diagnosis unequivocally. The standard is considered to be a result in the range of 70-99 mg / dl. A double result above 126 mg / dl is synonymous with diabetes. The cost of a blood glucose test is about PLN 10.
  2. Lipidogram. In other words, the lipid profile is a study that is to give a picture of what the fat management in our body looks like. In a healthy person, total cholesterol (TC) should be <200 mg / dL, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) <115 mg / dL, triglycerides (TG) <150 mg / dL. Incorrect results can cause liver, kidney, pancreas, and thyroid problems. The cost of the test is PLN 35-40.
  3. Creatinine. The creatinine test is used to assess the function of the kidneys. The test result helps to diagnose disorders and the degree of kidney damage. The correct result is considered to be between 0,6-1,3 mg / dl. However, it is worth taking into account that creatinine norms may differ significantly depending on the laboratory in which the test is performed, the cost of which is about PLN 10.
  4. Urea. It is a product of protein metabolism in the body, and its level indicates the functioning of the kidneys. The blood urea result must be combined with the kerinine result – only then is it possible to properly diagnose the condition of the kidneys. The normal value is between 15 and 40 mg / dl. Too high urea concentration can indicate too much protein in the diet, kidney failure, dehydration and cancer. The cost of the test is about PLN 10.
  5. Total protein. The total protein level test is one of the basic tests ordered when there is a suspicion of malfunctioning of the digestive system, eating disorders or liver diseases. The norm for this test is a total protein of 63-79 g / L. A result above 80 g / l may indicate dehydration or chronic inflammation. On the other hand, the result below the norm indicates inflammation of the intestines or nephrotic syndrome. The cost of the test is about PLN 10.
  6. Albumin. Albumin is part of the blood proteins that are produced in the liver, which is why the results of their level test are indicative of the health of this organ. Their concentration in the blood of a healthy person should be between 35 and 50 g / l. Too high level of albumin in the blood means dehydration of the body, while too low – malnutrition, inflammation in the body, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or cancer. The cost of blood albumin testing is about PLN 10.
  7. Total bilirubin. Bilirubin is a pigment that comes from the breakdown of red blood cells. By examining its concentration, it is possible to assess the functioning of the liver. A high level of total bilirubin, exceeding 20,6 µmol / l, may indicate jaundice, neoplasm of the bile ducts, cirrhosis, and Gilbert’s disease. The cost of the test is about PLN 10.
  8. Electrolytes. Sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium are the most important electrolytes in our body. Their concentration shows not only the body’s hydration, but also the work of the heart, arterial pressure and swelling of the limbs. Increasing their concentration in the blood may indicate renal failure, insulin deficiency, hyperparathyroidism, and heart problems. The decrease in the concentration may be due to hypothyroidism, kidney disease, eating disorders, vitamin D deficiency. The cost of electrolyte testing is approximately PLN 10.
  9. ALT. Alanine aminotransferase is an intracellular enzyme found i.a. in the liver. Indications for its implementation are nausea, vomiting and yellow skin. Too high ALT concentration, exceeding 40 U / L in an adult, may indicate serious liver problems, such as cirrhosis, cancer, cyst or viral inflammation. The cost of the ALT test is about PLN 10.
  10. AST. This is one of the so-called liver tests. By determining its concentration in the blood, liver dysfunction can be diagnosed. The proper level of AST in the blood should be between 5 and 40 U / l. Elevated levels may indicate liver inflammation, cancer or cirrhosis. The cost of this test is PLN 10.
  11. Nine reasons why you should eat breakfast every day

Since all metabolic profile tests involve collecting venous blood from the patient, it is worth preparing for the test. Since laboratories have different standards, it is better to show up on an empty stomach, drinking only a glass of still water in the morning. The last meal should be a light supper on the previous day, eaten no later than 18 pm. Remembering these rules, we can be sure that the result will be consistent with the actual state.

It happens that appropriate supplementation is enough to combat metabolic problems. Berberine is a Swanson dietary supplement that supports the weight loss process, improves well-being, prevents insulin resistance and has anti-inflammatory properties.

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