Metabolic Syndrome

The Journal : Current Issue
Robert H Eckel, Scott M Grundy, Paul Z Zimmet
(recommended by Maria Inês Reinert Azambuja)
Defining the metabolic syndrome
Prevalence
Relation to predictability of diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Mechanisms underlying the metabolic syndrome
Beyond insulin resistance
Management of metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is a common metabolic disorder that results from the increasing prevalence of obesity. The disorder is defined in various ways, but in the near future a new definition(s) will be applicable worldwide. The pathophysiology seems to be largely attributable to insulin resistance with excessive flux of fatty acids implicated. A proinflammatory state probably contributes to the syndrome. The increased risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease demands therapeutic attention for those at high risk. The fundamental approach is weight reduction and increased physical activity; however, drug treatment could be appropriate for diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk reduction.