A look at metabolic syndrome

Have you heard of metabolic syndrome? It’s the name for a group of five health conditions that, together, raise your risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and stroke.

The conditions:

• A large waistline
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar levels
• High blood triglycerides
• Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol

These factors can raise your risk:

• Being inactive
• Eating an unhealthy diet and large portion sizes
• Not getting enough good quality sleep, which helps control how your body absorbs nutrients from food
• Smoking
• Drinking a lot of alcohol

Research has shown that shift workers have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Other workers who may be at risk include trade workers, machine operators and those who drive for a living.

Making some healthy changes to your lifestyle can lower your chances of developing health problems related to metabolic syndrome:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Make heart-healthy lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and sleep, and quitting smoking
• Schedule routine health care provider visits