CONDITIONS

METABOLIC SYNDROME

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These conditions collectively lead to hypertension, high blood sugar levels, increased body fat around the waist and high levels of cholesterol. Left untreated these conditions can cause serious health problems.

Metabolic syndrome is closely linked to obesity or overweight individuals and those with insulin resistance. While the symptoms of metabolic syndrome may not be obvious, they include large waist circumference, high blood sugar, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision (signs of diabetes). If you believe you may have a component of metabolic syndrome, you should see your physician test for other components of the syndrome to prevent type 2 diabetes and heart and blood vessel disease.

Treatment of metabolic syndrome involves a dynamic change to your lifestyle. You will need to make drastic changes to your activity level, follow a healthy diet and manage your weight. Dr Magashule may assist in the meanwhile with medications to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, but lifestyle changes are the only way to treat this syndrome.