Many
years ago I went to a health practitioner who told me I had Syndrome X. Back
then not many people knew about it and there certainly wasn't much information
available either.
It
is estimated that one in three Americans-that's 100 million- have it with most
of them not even knowing it.
WHAT IS IT? Syndrome X is a sexy name for insulin resistance a condition
that leads to Type 2 diabetes. It takes years to develop. The cells of the body
become resistant to insulin forcing the body to make more. The symptoms for it
are slowly increasing blood pressure and cholesterol, gaining weight slowly but
surely, and feeling tired after you eat.
WHAT CAUSES IT? Some think that metabolic syndrome is inherited. Insulin
resistance is caused by eating too many/much refined carbohydrates like breads,
pasta, and sugary foods including sodas. Other factors can include a sedentary
lifestyle and obesity.
As
we said this takes a long time to develop. As long as the pancreas is able to
produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance, blood glucose levels remain
normal but when the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin, the blood glucose levels begin to rise. It begins after meals when blood glucose levels
are at their highest and more insulin is needed, but eventually is present in
the fasting state too. This is when type 2 diabetes starts.
HOW
TO AVOID IT. It usually begins with people in
their early 30's or 40's who have a relatively sedentary lifestyle. Folks who
love their snacks and pasta are prime targets. Slow weight gain and slow
increases in blood pressure and cholesterol can be avoided. Being aware of the
prevalence of the problem and the consequences of inaction are a necessary
first step.
The
best thing you can do to avoid it is to eat better, maintain a healthy weight,
and exercise daily.
As my doctor once told me "It is all about the weight." Keep a healthy weight and you can avoid Syndrome X and the inevitable consequence of the disease of Diabetes. Isn't that worth it?
As my doctor once told me "It is all about the weight." Keep a healthy weight and you can avoid Syndrome X and the inevitable consequence of the disease of Diabetes. Isn't that worth it?
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