Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of five specific conditions. We sometimes refer to metabolic syndrome as insulin resistance syndrome. Having this condition widens your likelihood of experiencing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and a variety of other serious health issues.

While metabolic disease is characterized by five different conditions, it’s only necessary to have three of five conditions to be diagnosed. However, it’s not unusual for a person to have all five. These are the five risk factors tied to being diagnosed:

  1. High blood pressure.
  2. High blood sugar.
  3. Excess body fat around the waist.
  4. High triglyceride levels in the blood.
  5. Low levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in the blood.

Here at Functional and Metabolic Medicine of Colorado, we understand the importance of looking at clusters of illness from a holistic perspective to help our clients make decisions about medications and lifestyle changes. Understanding how these risk factors come together to increase your odds of a cardiovascular event is important. Under the direction of Dr. Susan Sipay, the Functional and Metabolic Medicine of Colorado team can help you to explore the underlying causes of metabolic syndrome that are driving your health. We’ll work with you to create a tailored plan for potentially reversing harm that takes into account genetic factors, age and specific risk factors.

Signs and Symptoms of a Metabolic Disorder

Many patients feel completely overwhelmed and defeated once they enter a phase where it seems like illnesses and symptoms just keep piling up during a budding case of metabolic disease. In addition to being at risk for major cardiovascular events, people living with metabolic syndrome also commonly suffer from fatty liver disease, gallstones, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), obstructive sleep apnea and gout. Some telltale signs that you may be suffering from a metabolic disorder include:

  • Large waist circumference.
  • Fatigue.
  • Increased thirst.
  • Excessive urination.
  • Blurry vision.
  • Poor wound healing.
  • Infections.

The reality is that things can go from bad to worse when attention isn’t given to the symptoms that lead up to your diagnosis. The good news is that metabolic syndrome can often be reversed if a patient is willing to make a commitment to lifestyle changes. In a best-case scenario, a patient will seek help while still in the pre-diabetes phase.

When to See a Doctor About Suspected Metabolic Disease

It’s important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms tied to any of the five conditions associated with metabolic disease. The reality is that any one of the conditions folded into metabolic disease can greatly impact your quality of life. However, heart disease is especially worrisome because it is the top cause of death in the United States. Allowing a metabolic disorder to develop into full-blown type 2 diabetes can also have very devastating irreversible effects on your health. Early intervention for pre-diabetes can potentially help you to reverse cellular resistance to insulin.

Risk Factors for Developing Metabolic Disease

There’s a catalog of risk factors for developing metabolic illness. While some are more easily controlled because they come down to lifestyle habits, others are tied to genetics. Here’s a look at the risk factors behind developing metabolic disease:

  • Obesity/being overweight.
  • Living a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Having insulin resistance.
  • Age.
  • Genetic causes tied to both ethnicity and family history. For instance, Mexican Americans have the highest rate of metabolic disease.
  • Taking medications that cause weight gain.
  • Taking medications that alter blood pressure, blood cholesterol or blood sugar levels.

Dr. Sipay emphasizes the importance of understanding how you own health history and lifestyle habits could be contributing to your risk for developing a metabolic issue. Many people don’t realize that factors like having siblings or parents with metabolic conditions can increase their own chances of developing this condition. A blood panel can be an excellent way to catch a metabolic issue early.

Complications From Not Treating Metabolic Disease

Metabolic disease results in weight gain, damage to your blood vessels and worsening insulin resistance. Untreated metabolic disease will eventually lead to type 2 diabetes if changes aren’t made. Your risks for cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke are greatly increased when metabolic disease is left untreated.

Talk to a Functional Medicine Doctor Near Denver About Metabolic Syndrome

Dr. Susan Sipay at Functional and Metabolic Medicine of Colorado in Littleton offers testing and treatment for metabolic disease. Many patients are able to turn their health around by making lifestyle changes that address the five conditions that make up metabolic disease. To book your consultation today, call (720) 791-2911, email sipaymd@functionalmetabolicmedicine.com or schedule online.