May 2016 Beachwood Buzz
47
Are you at Risk for
Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors for diabetes, heart and vascular dis-
ease. According to the American Heart Association, people with metabolic syndrome are at
increased risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, heart attack and other diseases
related to plaque buildup in artery walls, such as stroke and peripheral arterial disease.
"The underlying causes of this syndrome are being overweight or obese, a lack of physical
activity, dietary excess and genetic factors. It has become increasingly common in the U.S.,
affecting about one in three adults," says Dr. Stephen Burgun, Division Chief of Endocrinology
at UH Ahuja Medical Center and the Medical Director of Endocrinology at UH Geauga Medical
Center. He adds, "The syndrome is closely associated with an underlying metabolic disorder
called insulin resistance, in which the body can't use insulin efficiently."
People may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome when they have at least three of the
following risk factors:
· Excessive fat mass in and around the abdomen (waist circumference of 40 inches or above
for men, and 35 inches or above for women)
· Elevated triglyceride
· Low HDL ("good") cholesterol
· Increased blood pressure (130/85 mm Hg or higher, or treated hypertension)
· Elevated fasting blood glucose, with or without a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
"Many of the factors that contribute to metabolic syndrome can be addressed through
lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise and weight loss," says Dr. Burgun. "Cutting back on
processed foods and adding in more fruits and vegetables, plus doing 30 minutes of exercise
at least five days a week, can significantly reduce a person's risk of diabetes." Dr. Burgun is
board-certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism.
In addition to lifestyle modifications, medication may be prescribed to help control factors
such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In cases where medication and lifestyle
changes are not sufficient, specialists can help evaluate and provide further information on
advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery.
It's important that you talk to your primary care physician about your risk factors. If you
would like to be referred to a University Hospitals specialist or primary care physician, call
1-866-UH4-CARE (1-866-844-2273) or visit UHhospitals.org/ScheduleNow.
Dr. Stephen Burgun
" e underlying causes of
this syndrome are being
overweight or obese, a
lack of physical activity,
dietary excess and
genetic factors . . . .