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METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH ENDOCRINE DISORDERS

METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH ENDOCRINE DISORDERS

25/09/2025

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of lifestyle-related risk factors, including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. When they occur together, they increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Most people with metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when the body no longer responds effectively to insulin – a hormone produced by the pancreas. After food is converted into glucose (sugar), insulin helps glucose enter cells for energy. In people with insulin resistance, glucose accumulates in the blood, increasing the risk of bodily damage.

Connection with endocrine disorders

Endocrine disorders play a significant role in the development of metabolic syndrome:

  • Insulin resistance: This is a condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

  • Central obesity: The accumulation of fat around the abdomen can cause metabolic disorders and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

  • Thyroid hormone disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect metabolism and increase the risk of metabolic syndrome.

  • Adrenal hormone disorders: Conditions such as Cushing's syndrome (increased cortisol) can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia.

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Serious health consequences

Metabolic syndrome is not just a collection of risk factors, but also directly affects overall health, increasing the likelihood of developing many serious diseases.

1. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Metabolic syndrome causes dysregulation of blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and increased chronic inflammation, creating conditions for atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Individuals with metabolic syndrome often have a 2–3 times higher risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to healthy individuals.

2. Risk of type 2 diabetes

Insulin resistance is central to metabolic syndrome, causing the body to reduce its ability to absorb and utilize blood sugar. Over time, this leads to type 2 diabetes, accompanied by complications such as kidney damage, retinopathy, neuropathy, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 

3. Dyslipidemia

Individuals with metabolic syndrome often have high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, leading to the risk of atherosclerosis. Dyslipidemia is one of the main causes of myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents.

4. High blood pressure

High blood pressure is one of the five main components of metabolic syndrome. Prolonged high blood pressure puts strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, and kidney damage.

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5. Central obesity and chronic inflammation

The accumulation of fat around the abdomen not only affects appearance but also causes chronic inflammation, exacerbating metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

6. Endocrine disorders

Metabolic syndrome can cause hormonal imbalances, such as increased cortisol (adrenal glands), thyroid disorders, or affect reproductive hormones. These changes lead to weight gain, blood pressure dysregulation, metabolic alterations, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.

7. Other chronic disease risks

Beyond cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, metabolic syndrome is also associated with:

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Dementia and cognitive impairment

  • Certain types of cancer

Metabolic syndrome directly impacts cardiovascular, metabolic, and endocrine health, while simultaneously increasing the risk of numerous serious chronic diseases. Early prevention through a healthy lifestyle, weight management, a balanced diet, and regular health check-ups are crucial factors in mitigating these risks.

Diagnosis

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when at least 3 out of the following 5 major risk factors are present:

1. Abdominal obesity

Excess abdominal fat (apple shape) is the highest risk factor, although general obesity also increases the risk. Reference threshold: >102 cm (40 inches) in men, >89 cm (35 inches) in women. People of Asian descent may have a higher risk even at lower abdominal fat levels.

2. High blood pressure

Blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg or currently taking medication for treatment.

3. High Triglyceride 

≥150 mg/dL or currently on medication. Triglyceride is a type of fat in the blood.

4. Low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) 

<40 mg/dL in men, <50 mg/dL in women. HDL helps remove bad cholesterol from the arteries.

5. High fasting blood sugar 

≥100 mg/dL or currently on medication. Blood sugar 100–125 mg/dL is prediabetes; ≥126 mg/dL is diabetes.

Note: According to the International Diabetes Federation, metabolic syndrome is diagnosed if excess abdominal fat is combined with at least two of the remaining four factors.

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Prevention

Metabolic syndrome can lead to several serious conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. The good news is that you can significantly reduce your risk by proactively changing your lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining regular exercise, controlling your weight, and adhering to medical guidance are the most basic yet effective steps to protect your long-term health. Prevention today is the key to living a healthy, active life and minimizing the risk of future illness.

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  • Heart-healthy eating 

Whether your heart is still healthy or already shows signs of disease, the Mediterranean diet significantly helps reduce the risk. Prioritize vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil, limit saturated fats and high glycemic index foods.

  • Maintain regular exercise

Exercise improves blood pressure, weight, and other cardiovascular indicators. Aim for 30–60 minutes per day, most days of the week.

  • Maintain a healthy weight

Ask your doctor about your BMI to know if you are at a healthy weight. Target BMI below 25. Pay attention to abdominal fat: <102 cm (40 inches) for men, <89 cm (35 inches) for women.

  • Adhere to medical guidelines 

Collaborate with your doctor to assess the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular issues. Check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar as recommended. If medication is prescribed, use the correct dosage.

Reference:

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Raffles Medical Group

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