Research continues to mount regarding the significant increase in diabetes and related illnesses. A new study has found that the incidence of metabolic syndrome, a condition closely related to diabetes, continues to rise, and is growing sharply among younger Americans.
The study compares two time spans 1988-1994 and 1999-2006 for the percentage of patients who were classified as having metabolic syndrome. For the 1999-2006 time period, the rate rose to 34 percent – more than one third – of all US adults compared to 29 percent who reported having the condition in the 1988-1994 time period.
One demographic in particular saw the sharpest rise: young women age 20-39. In the earlier study, about 11% of patients in this category reported having the condition. In the later study, that number rose to 17%. The data was obtained from US government health surveys.
Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors, often brought about by insulin resistance, known to influence cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Symptoms include:
- High blood pressure (systolic greater than120 or diastolic greater than 80).
- Obesity, especially abdominal. Talk to your doctor if your waist measurements are greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women.
- Elevated levels of fat in the blood stream (triglycerides) and a low level of “good” cholesterol (HDLs)
- Resistance to insulin
People with two or more of the above conditions are at significantly higher risk for developing diabetes and heart disease.
Key lies in educating children about fitness and belly fat
In yet another study conducted in Australia, researchers studied more than 2,000 people over the course of more than 20 years. While many factors could be used to help forecast metabolic syndrome, one of the strongest predictors for future complications was waist size. Children who placed in the top 25% among their peers for waist circumference were more than 500% more likely to develop metabolic syndrome early in adulthood, between age 26-36.
The increasing rates of obesity among children are likely to have long term affects These two studies come on the heals of another similar study released last week noted an increase in hospitalizations among young women 20-39 due to complications from diabetes. In that study, researchers noted a strong correlation with obesity and the increase in complications.
Radical lifestyle changes needed
If you’ve been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, you can avoid or limit progression to diabetes or cardiovascular disease, through significant lifestyle changes. If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, even reducing your weight by just 10% can help your body metabolize blood sugar so much better. The key is starting immediately, and staying committed to a healthy lifestyle.
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