5 Sneaky Signs You May Have Metabolic Syndrome, According to Experts

5 Sneaky Signs You May Have Metabolic Syndrome, According to Experts

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health, metabolic syndrome affects approximately 34% of adults in the United States. While some risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes, others may not be as obvious.

6 Sneaky Signs You May Have Metabolic Syndrome

1. You’re Always Thirsty
   One criterion of metabolic syndrome is elevated blood sugar at or above 100 mg/dL, which may indicate insulin resistance. Excessive thirst and an increased need to urinate are early warning signs that your blood sugar may be hanging out above the normal range. If you frequently feel parched and can’t quench your thirst, see your provider to have your blood sugar tested.

2. You Always Feel Fatigued
   If you’re consistently drained but unsure why, there may be an underlying health issue at play. There are many reasons you might be tired—poor sleep, eating an unbalanced diet, stress—but if you frequently feel fatigued, it could be a symptom of high blood sugar. If you’re tired often, especially if you think you’re getting adequate sleep, it’s worth seeing your doctor.

3. You Notice Changes to Your Skin
   If you’ve noticed any major changes to your skin, it could be a sneaky sign you have metabolic syndrome. Skin tags are little harmless growths that are called acrochordons. While skin tags can develop as a result of aging and other unknown causes, they’re also linked to diabetes and insulin resistance. Another sign of metabolic syndrome is dark, velvety patches of skin called acanthosis nigricans. These often develop in the back of the neck, armpits, and groin. Connect with a dermatologist about any skin concerns.

4. You Have Tingling and Numbness in Your Feet
   If you’ve been experiencing pain, burning, tingling, and numbness of the feet, you could have metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels can damage the nerves and vessels of the lower extremities, leading to peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease. If you’re experiencing any of these prickling or tingling sensations in your feet, schedule a visit with your health care provider.

5. You Have Frequent Headaches
   There are many causes of headaches, but it may be surprising to know that severe headaches and migraines are associated with hypertension, according to research. Both conditions may have similar underlying causes, which is why they may occur together. (Typically, though, hypertension does not cause a headache unless blood pressure becomes extremely elevated.)

How Is Metabolic Syndrome Diagnosed?
Your health care provider will order routine blood work, take your blood pressure reading, and measure your waist circumference. More specifically, doctors are looking at the following numbers. Having three of the following indicates metabolic syndrome:

• Blood pressure that is 130/85 mmHg or higher
• Fasting blood sugar level that is 100 mg/dL or higher
• HDL cholesterol levels lower than 50 mg/dL (women) or 40 mg/dL (men)
• Triglyceride levels higher than 150 mg/dL
• Waist circumference that’s more than 35 inches (women) or 40 inches (men)

Strategies to Improve Metabolic Syndrome
Changes to nutrition, moving more often, and managing stress are effective ways to improve metabolic syndrome:

• Eat a Mediterranean diet: Emphasize a variety of foods and encourage a sustainable approach to eating rather than adhering to strict rules.
• Increase fiber: Eating more fiber may improve your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables high in fiber also helps increase satiety, which may help reduce portions naturally.
• Get moving regularly: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, plus two days of resistance exercise. Consistency is key, whether it’s walking, bicycling, swimming, dancing, or roller skating. Daily movement has been shown to promote healthy weight management and improve cardiometabolic health.
• Manage stress: Stress-reduction techniques can help lower blood pressure and improve health. Practices like mindfulness, connecting with loved ones, and enjoying hobbies can help ease stress and bring a sense of peace.

The Bottom Line
Certain signs, such as skin changes or increased thirst, may indicate that you have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase your risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. One of the best things you can do is to regularly see your health care provider, who can advise you on when to get blood work. Knowing your numbers will help you take action through lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and regular exercise, that can treat metabolic syndrome and help you feel good in your day-to-day life.

FAQs

• What are the symptoms of metabolic syndrome?
  • Common symptoms include excessive thirst, fatigue, skin tags, and tingling/numbness in the feet.
• How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?
  • Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed based on a series of blood tests, including blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and waist circumference.
• Can metabolic syndrome be managed?
  • Yes, metabolic syndrome can be managed through lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques.
• What is the treatment for metabolic syndrome?
  • Treatment typically involves a combination of dietary changes, exercise, and medication to manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

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