Metabolic syndrome often starts with insulin resistance, a condition wherein the body’s cells become immune to the effects of insulin. It’s another reason why this disease gets called ‘Insulin Resistance Syndrome.’

The body utilizes insulin to turn the sugar and starches from carbohydrates that we eat into glucose, and insulin ushers the glucose into the body’s cells to be converted to energy. With insulin resistance, the glucose levels rise as the pancreas keeps producing insulin, but less of it is converted into energy.

Instead, the excess glucose gets stored as fat. Over time this continual process leads to type 2 diabetes, as insulin resistance is the main cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Continue reading →

Anyone who is diagnosed with a serious illness or disease may wonder “why me”? It is also normal to react with denial, fear, sadness, or even anger. Even though there are factors beyond our control that may automatically put us at high risk of developing a serious illness, there are still many more that we can influence by our actions and lifestyle. Doing so means many lifestyle diseases in particular can be prevented or delayed. Metabolic syndrome falls under this category.

Even if the risk of metabolic syndrome grows with age, (which is something you can’t change), living a healthy lifestyle can still delay or prevent the condition.

The best treatment for metabolic syndrome is prevention. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome already, or you feel you are at risk of developing it, there is much hope for you. Metabolic syndrome is highly preventable and reversible, if you take action and help yourself by following a healthy lifestyle, are mindful of your diet, and prioritize your health. Continue reading →