METS, formerly known as “Syndrome X,” is a pre-diabetic condition that can affect blood pressure, cholesterol levels, glucose and triglyceride levels and weight gain. It also causes the body to become resistant to the pancreatic, glucose-regulating hormone “insulin” (insulin resistance). If not treated, the syndrome increases the risk for development of diabetes and heart disease. For those who already have diabetes, the condition is commonly co-morbid (co-occurring). It also occurs more commonly in patients with other endocrine disorders including thyroid disease.
Symptoms of METS
Physical symptoms are either non-existent or vague and can include the following:
- weight gain
- fatigue
- exercise intolerance
- increased hunger and thirst
- frequent urination
- hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episodes (sudden drop or rise in blood glucose)
The symptoms experienced are similar to those of diabetes but are typically milder and may be intermittent or more noticeable at nighttime.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is common with METS but is a symptom that does not typically cause physical sensations in the body and is usually found incidentally with a blood pressure monitor. The same is true of the elevated total-cholesterol, glucose and triglyceride levels it may also cause, which can only be detected by blood lab testing. The results will usually reveal an elevated LDL cholesterol (unhealthy type) and an HDL cholesterol level (healthy type) that is flagged low. Fasting glucose and triglyceride levels will often be flagged high with the syndrome as well.
Causes of METS
A major cause of the syndrome is obesity, especially the type that affects the mid-section of the body (waistline). Men whose weight gain results in a waistline that is 40-inches or greater in circumference and women whose weight gain results in a 35-inch waistline or greater, are at high risk for the onset of METS.
Lack of proper exercise is also a major contributing factor. When physical activity slows down to an abnormally low level, less fat is being converted by the body into energy and will instead be stored in the body. This results in weight gain, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and an increase in blood glucose.
Improper diet can also contribute to the onset of METS. This would be a diet lacking the proper types of healthy carbohydrates and proteins but instead consists of an overabundance of fatty and sugary foods.
Treatments for METS
A healthy diet should be implemented that contains servings of the following foods:
- fruits
- vegetables
- nuts
- grains
- chicken and lean meats
These are “complex carbohydrates” rich in protein and fiber.
The diet should not consist largely of “simple carbohydrates” but very little or none, which include the following junk foods and drinks:
- soft drinks
- candy
- pies
- cookies
- cakes
- alcohol
The body will very quickly convert these “junk foods” into energy which causes a craving for more of them. This is due to the body’s need for a steady energy-level which can be instead provided by the healthy foods previously listed.
Weight loss should also be a priority. This can be accomplished by eating the proper foods previously listed and by eliminating the unhealthy ones containing simple carbohydrates and refined sugars (those not occurring naturally).
Getting proper exercise, especially the aerobic type, can also aid in weight loss but can also help regulate glucose and cholesterol levels by helping the body to burn fat and glucose into energy. It is important however that any exercise regimen is carefully practiced to make sure the body’s tolerance level for it is not exceeded.
Patients with METS should discuss treatment with their doctor that is best tailored to their individual needs and that may include prescription drugs to control hypertension, insulin resistance and/or elevated glucose levels. A doctor can also refer patients who smoke to non-smoking programs or drugs to help them quit.
Sources:
American Heart Association
Jim Lowrance - James M. (Jim) Lowrance has authored over 100 book and ebook publications since year 2004.
