Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome itself does not always cause obvious symptoms. Many people only discover they have it during routine health checks or blood tests. However, some of the individual conditions may show signs such as:

• increased waist measurement or weight gain around the middle

• fatigue or low energy levels

• raised blood pressure readings

• dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans), often on the neck or armpits

• increased thirst or needing to pass urine more often

• shortness of breath or chest discomfort during exertion

Because symptoms can be subtle and develop gradually over time, regular health checks are important, especially if you have risk factors associated with metabolic disease.

It’s not fully understood what causes metabolic syndrome, but a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors is involved. 

Risk factors for metabolic syndrome include:

• age, as metabolism slows over time

• being overweight or obese, particularly with fat around the waist

• having insulin resistance, where the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin

• lack of physical activity

• an unhealthy diet, especially one high in fat and sugar, which can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes 

• smoking

• heavy drinking

• stress

• being postmenopause

• having other health conditions, such as fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and sleep apnoea 

• a family history of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease

• certain ethnic backgrounds - Hispanic women are at the greatest risk of developing metabolic syndrome

At your initial consultation, your consultant will talk to you about your medical history, take your blood pressure and measure your waist. They’ll arrange blood tests to check your sugar, fat and cholesterol levels. 

In most cases, metabolic syndrome will be diagnosed if you have 3 or more of the following:

• a waistline of 40 inches or more (men) or 35 inches or more (women)

• a blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher

• a triglyceride level above 150 mg/dl

• a fasting blood glucose level greater than 100 mg/dl

• an HDL level less than 40 mg/dl (men) or 50 mg/dl (women)

Preventing metabolic syndrome is mostly about making healthy lifestyle choices. Even small, consistent changes can reduce your risk and protect your heart and overall wellbeing.

Key ways to lower your risk include:

• maintaining a healthy weight 

• eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins

• limiting sugar, salt, and saturated fats

• staying active

• avoiding smoking

• keeping alcohol intake within recommended limits

• managing stress through relaxation techniques, sleep, or counselling, if needed

• attending regular health checks

Metabolic syndrome puts a lot of strain on your heart and blood vessels and can lead to serious long-term health issues, including:

• type 2 diabetes

• coronary heart disease

• stroke

• fatty liver disease

• chronic kidney disease

• sleep apnoea

Managing your metabolic syndrome early can greatly reduce your chances of developing these complications.

Metabolic syndrome can not only be managed – it can often be prevented and even reversed. At Welbeck, we take a holistic approach to your care, recognising that health conditions rarely exist in isolation. Our team works with you to address all the factors that contribute to metabolic syndrome, rather than focusing on one issue at a time.

When you come to us for support, you’ll have access to the latest and most effective treatments. This includes a wide range of medications to help manage blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other aspects of your condition. We’ll take the time to discuss the pros and cons of each option with you, so you can feel confident about your treatment plan.

For some patients, weight loss medication or surgery may be an appropriate option, and our specialists can guide you through this possibility with care and clarity.

In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to work with our expert dietitians. Even small, sustainable changes to your diet can have a big impact on your health. Together, we’ll create a plan that fits your lifestyle and supports your long-term wellbeing. Our goal is to help you take control of your health, and give you the tools to improve your quality of life – not just treat your condition.

At Welbeck, our endocrinologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.