Magazine

12 | LowcarbDirect Directory - Issue 1 - August 2016
The Metabolic
Syndrome
By Dr Peter Hill from UpforIt
It is estimated that one in every four South Africans
suffers from Metabolic Syndrome. In this introductory
article, I briefly explore this growing pandemic: what
it is; something on the causes and prevalence; how
to identify it and a bit on the resources available to
manage this condition more effectively.
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic Syndrome has become an increasingly common condition
around the world. It is often found to be present in families and the risk
of developing it increases with age. People with Metabolic Syndrome
tend to be overweight. It is considered to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular
diseases and type 2 -diabetes. Research also indicates that
Metabolic Syndrome substantially ups the risk of developing certain cancers,
liver disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The syndrome is not a disease in itself, but rather a cluster of disorders
related to a particular type of metabolic dysfunction known as insulin
resistance. Other associated disorders include high blood pressure, high
blood sugar, low ‘good’ cholesterol levels, elevated levels of triglycerides
(or blood fat) and excessive abdominal fat. One would have to have at
least three of these disorders to be officially diagnosed with Metabolic
Syndrome.
Causes of the Condition
In addition to insulin resistance,which appears to be the main cause,
obesity, unhealthy lifestyle choices, hormonal imbalances, as well as genetics,
all influence the development of the syndrome. In people with insulin
resistance, insulin (the hormone that helps the body utilise glucose
as energy) doesn't work efficiently. The body thus secretes more insulin
than it should in an attempt to cope with the rising level of blood sugar
(glucose) and this, in turn, can lead to a person developing diabetes, as
well as the other conditions associated with Metabolic Syndrome.
Insulin resistance is particularly associated with excessive tummy
fat and thus substantially increases the risk of developing Metabolic
Syndrome. About 80% of obese adults are likely to have Metabolic
Syndrome and approximately 40% of normal weight adults may also
have, or be at risk, for Metabolic Syndrome.
A healthy body mass index (BMI), as defined by the World Health
Dr Hill
UpForIt (Pty) Ltd
Biography
Dr Peter Hill is a founding partner
and the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)
of UpForIt (Pty) Ltd. He earned a
doctorate in patient behaviour in
Type 2 diabetes mellitus at Rhodes
University in South Africa, where he
was subsequently appointed to the
position of Visiting Fellow.
Part of his doctoral studies included
undergoing training in chronic
disease self-care at the Patient
Education Centre at the medical
school at Stanford University in the
USA. His post-doctoral studies focused
on the role of nutrition in the
Metabolic Syndrome, with special
emphasis on self-care, and in 2014
Dr Hill was elected a Member of the
American College of Nutrition.
Today much of his research and
practice remains focused on helping
people with Metabolic Syndrome
improve their self-care capabilities
as very few people with, or at risk of
developing the syndrome, are adequately
empowered, i.e. trained,
taught and encouraged, to change
key health-related behaviours.
health