In developed countries, metabolic syndrome is a serious problem. It is very common; in the US, > 40% of people > 50 years may have it. Children and adolescents can develop metabolic syndrome, but in these age groups, no definition is established.
Development of metabolic syndrome depends on distribution as well as amount of fat. Excess fat in the abdomen (called apple shape), particularly when it results in a high waist-to-hip ratio (reflecting a relatively low muscle-to-fat mass ratio), increases risk. The syndrome is less common among people who have excess subcutaneous fat around the hips (called pear shape) and a low waist-to-hip ratio (reflecting a higher muscle-to-fat mass ratio).
Excess abdominal fat leads to excess free fatty acids in the portal vein, increasing fat accumulation in the liver. Fat also accumulates in muscle cells. Insulin resistance develops, with hyperinsulinemia. Glucose metabolism is impaired, and dyslipidemias and hypertension develop. Serum uric acid levels are typically elevated (increasing risk of gout), and a prothrombotic state (with increased levels of fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor I) and an inflammatory state develop.
Risks of metabolic syndrome include
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (for women)
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Low plasma testosterone, erectile dysfunction, or both (for men)
Diagnosis
Screening is important. A family history plus measurement of waist circumference and blood pressure are part of routine care. If patients with a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly those ≥ 40 years, have a waist circumference greater than that recommended for race and sex, fasting plasma glucose and a lipid profile must be determined.
Metabolic syndrome has many different definitions, but it is most often diagnosed when ≥ 3 of the following are present (see table Criteria Often Used for Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome):
Criteria Often Used for Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome*
Treatment
Optimally, the management approach results in weight loss based on a healthy diet and regular physical activity, which includes a combination of aerobic activity and resistance training, reinforced with behavioral therapy. Metformin, an insulin sensitizer, or a thiazolidinedione (eg, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone) may be useful. Weight loss of ≈ 7% may be sufficient to reverse the syndrome, but if not, each feature of the syndrome should be managed to achieve recommended targets; available drug treatment is very effective.
Other cardiovascular risk factors (eg, smoking cessation) also need to be managed. Increased physical activity has cardiovascular benefits even if weight is not lost.
Key Points
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Excess abdominal fat leads to abnormal fasting plasma glucose or insulin resistance, dyslipidemias, and hypertension.
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Metabolic syndrome is extremely common in developed countries (eg, prevalence of possibly > 40% in people > 50 years).
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Determine waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile.
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Emphasize following a healthy diet and exercising, manage cardiovascular risk factors, and if these measures are not completely effective, consider use of metformin.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Drug Name | Select Trade |
|---|---|
rosiglitazone |
AVANDIA |
pioglitazone |
ACTOS |
metformin |
GLUCOPHAGE |
