If you weigh more than you
should, you are at greater
risk for developing metabolic
syndrome. This is a group
of health problems that can
lead to diabetes, stroke, heart
disease, and kidney disease. It
affects millions of Americans.
You have metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of the following:
- High blood pressure (130/85 mm Hg or higher)
- High triglyceride level (150 mg/dl or higher)
- Low levels of HDL, or “good,” cholesterol (lower than 50 mg/dl for women or 40 mg/dl for men)
- High fasting blood sugar level (100 mg/dl or higher)
- Extra body fat around your waist (a waist measurement of 35 inches or more for women or 40 inches or more for men)
- An inactive lifestyle with little regular exercise
Take Charge
Even if you have metabolic
syndrome, you can take steps
to lower your risk for disease.
Making small lifestyle
changes is a good way to start.
Start by eating healthy. Eat at least one fruit or vegetable at every meal. Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products. You should also add exercise to your day. If you smoke, quit. A smoker with metabolic syndrome is 40 percent more likely to have a heart attack than a nonsmoker with the condition.
Prevention
The best ways to prevent
metabolic syndrome are to
exercise regularly and eat
healthy. Talk with your
physician to learn more.
He or she may also ask you to
take medicines to manage or
prevent metabolic syndrome.
Get a Free
Glucose Meter
If you are a member of Horizon
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New
Jersey and have diabetes or
metabolic syndrome, you can get
a free glucose meter to test your
blood sugar. You can choose one
of two companies offering these
meters. Call Lifescan Inc. at
