LIVING WITH DIABETES - Syndrome X - Part 2

How can you know if you’re at risk for developing this syndrome? 

If you fall into any of these groups, you’re at risk:

• You’re overweight.

• You are not overweight, but you have a tummy paunch and carry weight in your abdominal area.

• You have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes.

• You are a woman who had gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.

 In order to diagnose syndrome X, several evaluations and tests may be used.

Some doctors use a test called a C-peptide test, also called an insulin level test. This test tells doctors if there is excess insulin in the bloodstream, indicating that the pancreas may be compensating for insulin resistance.

Other noninvasive ways to diagnose the syndrome include calculating body mass index (BMI), which measures the ratio between the hips and abdomen. High blood pressure, a high fasting glucose measurement, high blood fats called triglycerides, and low high- density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol measurements are also used.

While lifestyle factors play a major role in the development of syndrome X — and its reversal — doctors have not ruled out a genetic component. In fact, doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Centre at Dallas are heading a multinational study of this syndrome to try to understand the genetic basis for it. They are looking at patients with high blood triglyceride levels and following them, along with their siblings, to see how the syndrome might run in families.

Obviously, though, weight loss through exercise and dietary changes is the preferred way to treat metabolic syndrome. In order to be successful, patients need to implement the TLC program — therapeutic lifestyle changes. Patients have to be willing to make changes and stick to them. If that happens, many of the symptoms can come back to normal or near-normal levels.

But there is still confusion about what is the correct way to go about implementing a healthier lifestyle. For example, even though polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are considered to be “good fats” and are preferred for daily use by nutrition experts, a recent survey showed approximately 42 percent and 39 percent of those surveyed respectively still believe these fats are unhealthy.

But there is hope. People are starting to pay more attention to what they’re eating, some experts say. A survey by the United Soybean Board indicates that 72 percent of Americans are changing their eating habits due to health and nutrition concerns.

Even a modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of your total weight can increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin and lower your blood pressure. And exercise is crucial, as it positively affects all of the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

In your diet, consume soluble fibre. Found in oats, peas, beans and some fruits — including apples — soluble fibre has been scientifically proven to reduce blood cholesterol levels and improve insulin activity. Also make certain your diet contains monounsaturated fat, such as olive oil, canola oil and nuts for the same reasons. 

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