Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders that include insulin resistance, high insulin levels and, in most cases, obesity. It is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.   

Metabolic syndrome diagnosis is on the rise in Australia and the rest of the western world and primarily related to poor long term diet and lifestyle choices.  Reversing the syndrome involves analysis of body system dysfunction and the correction of factors contributing to the disease.

There are several different diagnostic criteria, but it is generally accepted that a patient must have at least 3 of the following:

• Central (abdominal) obesity:
• Waist circumference: > 102 cm (male), > 88cm (female)
• Waist-hip ratio: > 0.9 (male); > 1.0 (female)
• BMI > 30 kg/m2
• Raised blood pressure (hypertension): > 135/85
• High blood triglycerides: > 1.7mmol/L
• Low levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL): < 1.03 mmol/L (male), < 1.29 mmol/L (female)
• Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or diabetes: > 6.11 mmol/L

Patients with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension and abnormal blood cholesterol levels.

There are strong links between metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and depression.

Insulin resistance appears to increase the risk of some cancers including colorectal cancer and estrogen dependent cancers such as breast cancer.

TREATMENT STRATEGY FOR METABOLIC SYNDROME

• Increase the body’s ability to metabolise sugar/carbohydrates more efficiently
• Improve insulin sensitivity
• Normalise weight
• Address blood lipids
• Support adrenal and thyroid function
• Support liver function
• Reduce risk of chronic disease

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TREATMENT OF METABOLIC SYNDROME

Metabolic Syndrome is a label given to a group of symptoms and conditions that co-exist within the body.  People with metabolic syndrome usually have a number of major imbalances in more than one body system and also require re-education on diet and lifestyle principles. 

We commonly uncover poor gut health, infections, inability to process fats efficiently, gallbladder issues, impaired methylation and detoxification, mood disorders and other underlying conditions when dealing with patients that meet the criteria of metabolic syndrome.

At our Perth clinic of Advanced Functional Medicine have experience with metabolic syndrome and those that have some of the qualifying criteria.  

If you or a family member require assistance with metabolic syndrome or a related condition such as obesity, fatty liver, diabetes etc, we would love to hear from you.  Please write a comment below.

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