Metabolic syndrome: what is it?

Le metabolic syndrome, also called syndrome X, is not a disease in itself. Rather, it designates the presence of a set of physiological signs which increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

All of this warning signs serious or chronic health problems are not always visible or felt by the affected person. Tests prescribed by the doctor during a routine medical examination can reveal them. For example, a person whose rates of glucose (sugar) and lipids blood are abnormal and the blood pressure is elevated will be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. This is a serious alarm signal. And it is better to deal with these anomalies before the situation escalates.

Define metabolic syndrome

The definition of metabolic syndrome varies a bit by country or health agency. In Canada, International Diabetes Federation criteria are used to define metabolic syndrome¹. Metabolic syndrome occurs when 3 or more of the following risk factors are present:

• Abdominal overweight (when fat is concentrated around the waist): Waist circumference is greater than 80 cm (31,5 in) for women and 94 cm (37 in) for men.

  Note: these values ​​concern the Caucasian and African populations of the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. For Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asian people, as well as the indigenous populations of America (North, Center and South), the values ​​are the same for women, but 90 cm (35,5, XNUMX in) for men².

• High blood triglycerides : this rate is equal to or greater than 1,7 mmol / l (150 mg / dl).
• Hypertension : Blood pressure is equal to or greater than 130 mm Hg / 85 mm Hg.
• Low level of “good” cholesterol (HDL) : less than 1,0 mmol / l (40 mg / dl) in men and 1,3 mmol / l (50 mg / dl) in women.
• High blood sugar : equal to or greater than 5,6 mmol / l or 101 mg / dl. We measure the glucose using a blood test taken on an empty stomach.

Notes. Measurements in mmol / L are used almost everywhere in the world, except in the United States, where the measurement in milligrams per deciliters (mg / dl) is used instead.

The list of these risk factors may grow as more research continues. This could change the very definition of metabolic syndrome. For example, theinflammation, as measured by the presence of the C-reactive protein, could one day be part of it³.

Causes

Although theheredity either one of the causes of this syndrome, the vast majority of cases are rather related to a sedentary lifestyle and at a food high in calories and low in nutrients (fast food, excess sugar and fat, generous portions, etc.).

Who is affected?

Le metabolic syndrome is now so widespread that it is estimated that 20% to 25% of the adult population has it in the United States. In those over 60, 40% would be affected. Most of these people are unaware of their condition.

If the syndrome is more common in men over 50 and women over 60, the Western tendency to be sedentary and overweight means that it affects people more and more young⁴. In fact, a survey carried out in 1999 in Quebec among 2 schoolchildren aged 244, 9 and 13 revealed that, already at this age, 16% of them suffer from metabolic syndrome.⁴.

A disturbed body metabolism

In almost all individuals with metabolic syndrome, we note a beginning of insulin resistance or insulin resistance. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is much like a key that allows cells to “open” a door to absorb blood. glucose (sugar), thus helping to regulate the level of sugar in the blood (blood sugar). If the cells become insulin resistant (the lock no longer works), they absorb glucose poorly, despite the presence of insulin. Glucose is then found in too high concentration in the blood, and lacking in the cells (see the diagram below).

To remedy the situation and maintain an adequate blood sugar level, the pancreas must always produce more insulin. Over time, the pancreas “becomes exhausted” and can no longer provide this excess insulin. If nothing is done to correct the situation, type 2 diabetes is very likely to develop over time.

Insulin resistance is also associated with a higher risk ofhypertension and cardiovascular disease, as it is accompanied by an increase in cholesterol and triglycerides (blood lipids), which can damage the artery walls.

Resistance to insulin is closely linked to excess weight and obesity, especially when the fat is concentrated in the region of theabdomen. Researchers have found that the cells that store fat (fat cells) are able to release hormones involved in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The roles and interactions of its substances have been the subject of intense research in recent years.

Possible consequences

• Le 2 type diabetes.
• A heart disease or a stroke.
• Un polycystic ovary syndrome. This syndrome results from a hormonal disorder and can be a cause of infertility. It is characterized by increased production of hormones androgens by the ovaries, which causes cysts to form and prevents the eggs from maturing. The link between metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome is not fully understood. Insulin resistance may be a common underlying factor in both of these conditions. Many women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome also suffer from excess weight and insulin resistance: the initial treatment for these 2 syndromes is therefore similar^5,6.

Researchers also suspect a link between metabolic syndrome and other serious diseases like breast, uterine, prostate and colon cancer, or Alzheimer’s disease, but this point is still under investigation. .