Pre-Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome Diagnoses And Treatment

Metabolic Syndrome is a series of five risk factors that put individuals at risk for Pre-Diabetes; There are 79 million people over the age of 20 in the US that have Pre-Diabetes and only 7% know they have it. These five risk factors are;

1. Blood Pressure of over 135/85 or 135 Systolic and 85 Diastolic.

2. High triglycerides of over 150.

3. Increased waist size of over 35” for a woman and 40” for a man.

4. Low HDL or good cholesterol. This would be <40 for a male and <50 for a woman.

5. Fasting blood glucose level of over 100.

Your physician will take a look at these risk factors and evaluate your risk for Pre-Diabetes. Usually three or more risk factors could be called Pre-Diabetes. Every case is individual and your physician will look at all risk factors, family history, BMI, Hba1c and other indicators as well before determining a diagnosis.

When your physician tells you that you have Pre- Diabetes this is a huge warning sign but also a gift. You have been given the opportunity to change things around and become as healthy as you ever were in your life while reducing the above risk factors.

Exercise and weight loss can reduce all risk factors of Metabolic Syndrome;

1. Reduce Triglycerides

2. Increase HDL Cholesterol

3. Reduce Abdominal Obesity

4. Reduce fasting blood glucose.

5. Reduce Blood Pressure

I have had the privilege to work with many people and see them reduce their risk factors and change their lives. I am positive that you can do it to!

Rob Goldstein, MS; Exercise Physiologist