Apple or Pear Shape ?--Metabolic Syndrome

Are you an apple or a pear?  Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions--increased blood pressure, high blood sugar level, excess body fat around the waist ("apple shape") or abnormal cholesterol levels-- that occur together.  When these conditions occur in combination, your risk for serious disease is greater.  The symptoms are:  obesity--having a waist circumference of 40 inches or more for men and 35 or more for women; increased blood pressure--numbers higher than 130/85 on both scales; high blood sugar level--fasting blood glucose 100mg/dL or more; and high cholesterol--triglycerides of 150 mg/dL or more and HDL of less than 40 (men) or 50 (women).

The syndrome is linked to the body's metabolism, to a condition called insulin resistance.  Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps control the amount of sugar in the bloodstream.  Normally, the digestive system breaks down foods into sugar (glucose).  Blood carries glucose to the tissues, where cells use it as fuel.  Glucose enters the cells with the help of insulin.  In people with insulin resistance, cells don't respond normally and glucose doesn't enter as readily.  As a result, glucose levels in the blood rise despite the body's attempt to control the glucose by producing more insulin.  The higher levels of insulin in the blood can lead to diabetes.  Even if levels aren't high enough to be considered diabetes, the elevated glucose level can still be harmful and is referred to as "prediabetes."  

The risk of metabolic syndrome increases with age, with 40% of people in their 60s being affected.  What to do?  All of the components of metabolic syndrome can be improved by lifestyle changes:  getting more physical activity (30 minutes per day), losing weight (as little as 5 to 10% of body weight), eating a diet that limits fats and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, and stopping smoking.  Regular checkups with your physician to monitor your progress are good too. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309