If X marks the spot, just what is syndrome X? And do you need to be concerned? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 22 percent of adults, especially older adults, have it.
Syndrome X, or insulin resistance, is really four health conditions—diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy blood lipid levels (high triglycerides, low HDL- [good] cholesterol), and obesity—that all come together. When that happens, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke risks are many times higher.
With syndrome X, the body doesn’t react normally to insulin, so more is produced. That contributes to high blood pressure, insulin buildup, glucose intolerance, and unhealthy lipid levels. Inactivity, overeating, and overweight aggravate the insulin problem.
If you think you’re at risk:
- Get your numbers checked: blood sugar level, lipid level, blood pressure. (See July 21 for normal ranges.) Work out a plan with your doctor to bring them within normal range.
- Make a realistic plan to trim a few pounds—if you’re overweight.
- Move more. Try to it 60 minutes—even in small intervals—of moderate activity into your day.
- Eat plenty of high-fiber foods: whole grains, vegetables, fruit.
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