People who have metabolic syndrome are at risk of developing serious diseases such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and type-2 diabetes. That is why management of metabolic syndrome is so important. Other risk factors associated with the disease include atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and elevated plasma glucose.
The primary goal of the clinical management of metabolic syndrome is to reduce the risk of ASCVD. The prevention of type-2 diabetes is another important goal. Although most people with metabolic syndrome are genetically predisposed to the condition, it rarely comes about in people who are physically active and not obese. In order to reduce risk factors, patients are encouraged to make some lifestyle changes such as changing their diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.
The diets that are generally recommended to patients are low in saturated fats and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and simple sugars. It should include mostly fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fish intake is encouraged as well, as long as patients realize not to eat too much fish with high mercury content.
Not all people with metabolic syndrome need medicine, but if lifestyle change is not enough to alleviate risk factors sometimes medications are prescribed. Drugs that may be used in connection to metabolic syndrome are:
- High blood pressure medicine
- Cholesterol medicine
- Diabetes medicine
- Low-dose aspirin
Personal Management
Personal management of metabolic syndrome is very important since losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical to keeping the condition under control. Lifestyle changes typically involve exercise, diet, and for some quitting smoking. This is because smoking increases your risk of blood vessel and heart disease.
If you begin an exercise regiment that is too tough, you are most likely to give up. Start slowly by walking more, begin to work physical exercise into your daily lives, and take advantage of opportunities like you kids asking you to play or your spouse or friends wanting you to take a walk with them. Better yet, ask them. Try to increase your physical activity until you are staying active on most days a week. It is recommended that you exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
Talk to your doctor or a dietitian about what proportions of food to eat. Many doctors suggest a Mediterranean diet for this condition. This diet consists of fruits, vegetables and whole grains (as recommended above), nuts, seeds, legumes, seafood, yogurt, olive oil, and small amounts of wine. Eat foods that are seasonal, and avoid processed foods. A true Mediterranean diet consists of small portions of high-quality foods. The basis of this is that if your food tastes great you remain satisfied. Healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts tend to keep you feeling fuller longer.
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