Metabolic Syndrome

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome refers to a combination of health issues that tend to occur together — including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and abdominal weight gain. On their own, each factor may not seem serious. But together, they dramatically raise your risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Common Signs and Risk Factors

You may not feel sick, but metabolic syndrome may be developing if you experience:

• Increased waist size or central obesity (apple-shaped body)
• Elevated blood pressure (130/85 mmHg or higher)
• High fasting blood sugar (100 mg/dL or more)
• Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• High triglyceride levels
• Fatigue, sugar cravings, or insulin resistance

What Causes Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is often the result of both lifestyle and genetics. Risk factors include:

• Excess body fat, especially around the waist
• Sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity
• Diets high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats
• Chronic stress and poor sleep
• Family history of diabetes or heart disease
• Hormonal conditions like PCOS or thyroid imbalance

How We Diagnose It

You may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if you meet **three or more** of the following criteria:

• Waist circumference: >102 cm (men), >88 cm (women)
• Blood pressure: ≥130/85 mmHg
• Fasting blood sugar: ≥100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: <40 mg/dL (men), <50 mg/dL (women)
• Triglycerides: ≥150 mg/dL

Why Early Detection Matters

Even if you feel healthy now, untreated metabolic syndrome increases your risk of:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease or heart attack
• Stroke or blood clots
• Fatty liver disease
• Chronic kidney disease

How We Treat and Manage Metabolic Syndrome

Treatment focuses on long-term prevention, not just short-term fixes. Our team will help you develop a practical, personalized plan that may include:

• Nutrition counseling to reduce processed carbs and balance fats
• Physical activity guidance tailored to your fitness level
• Weight loss support to reduce abdominal fat and improve insulin sensitivity
• Medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, or glucose (as needed)
• Stress reduction and sleep optimization strategies
• Routine check-ins and lab monitoring to track progress

Your Health, Your Future — Take Control Today

Metabolic syndrome doesn’t develop overnight — and it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right care and lifestyle support, it’s possible to reverse risk factors and protect your long-term health. At German Clinic, we’re here to walk that journey with you.