Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that is sometimes labeled as insulin resistance syndrome, which is a better way to understand the disease process. Metabolic syndrome is defined by having three or more of the following conditions:

• Large waistline: greater than 40 inches around the waist for men or more than 35 inches for women.

• High blood pressure: A reading of 130/85 or higher or being on medication to treat high blood pressure.

• High triglyceride levels: A reading of 150 mg/dL or greater Low HDL “good cholesterol”: Less than 40mg/dl for men or 50 mg/dL for women.

• High fasting glucose (blood sugar): Fasting reading of 150 milligrams (mg)/dL.

In general, having metabolic syndrome significantly raises risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), diabetes and other serious health problems including some cancers.  The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the U.S. is staggering with roughly  one in three adults being diagnosed with such, nearly 100 million Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The major underpinning cause of metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance that leads to a hyper insulinemic state (too much insulin). This has a direct link to chronic disease conditions such as obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, atherosclerosis and hypertension to name a few. The major cause of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia consumption of too much highly processed

carbohydrates, along with sedentary lifestyle and certain environmental factors. Fortunately, this condition is largely preventable. With proper diet and lifestyle modifications, the syndrome is largely reversible as well.