Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome, often referred to as syndrome X and/or insulin resistance syndrome is a complex health condition that affects, by conservative estimates, a quarter of the U.S. population. It refers to a cluster of symptoms characterized by varying degrees of glucose intolerance, hypertriglyceridemia (high blood lipid levels), low HDL-cholesterol, hyperinsulinemia (high blood insulin levels), hypertension, and upper body obesity, all of which are risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). In fact, metabolic syndrome and its associated risk factors are equivalent to cigarette smoking as contributor to premature CHD. Furthermore, it is estimated that 25% or more of individuals with metabolic syndrome will develop type II diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms

According to the National Institutes of Health, the chances of developing metabolic syndrome increase if a patient has three or more of the following symptoms:

• A family history of type 2 diabetes and/or metabolic syndrome
• Waist measurements greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women
• Levels of triglycerides of 150 mg/dL or greater
• Levels of HDL-cholesterol of less than 40 mg/dL in men and less than 50 mg/dL in women
• Blood pressure above 135/80
• Fasting blood sugar levels above 110 mg/dL (mg of glucose in 1 deciliter of blood)

Causes

Integrative Medicine Treatment Options

We combine the best of conventional medicine with the best of complementary and alternative therapies to give you optimal results.

Here are some options we use at the Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine LOCATED IN Cincinnati, Ohio

• Herbal Therapies, Supplements & Medication
• Nutritional Counseling 
• Lifestyle Counseling