Many years ago I went to a health practitioner who told me I had Syndrome X. Back then not many people knew about it and there certainly wasn't much information available either.
It is estimated that one in three Americans-that's 100 million- have it with most of them not even knowing it.
WHAT IS IT? Syndrome X is a sexy name for insulin resistance a condition that leads to Type 2 diabetes. It takes years to develop. The cells of the body become resistant to insulin forcing the body to make more. The symptoms for it are slowly increasing blood pressure and cholesterol, gaining weight slowly but surely, and feeling tired after you eat.
WHAT CAUSES IT? Some think that metabolic syndrome is inherited. Insulin resistance is caused by eating too many/much refined carbohydrates like breads, pasta, and sugary foods including sodas. Other factors can include a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.As we said this takes a long time to develop. As long as the pancreas is able to produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance, blood glucose levels remain normal but when the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin, the blood glucose levels begin to rise. It begins after meals when blood glucose levels are at their highest and more insulin is needed, but eventually is present in the fasting state too. This is when type 2 diabetes starts.
HOW TO AVOID IT. It usually begins with people in their early 30's or 40's who have a relatively sedentary lifestyle. Folks who love their snacks and pasta are prime targets. Slow weight gain and slow increases in blood pressure and cholesterol can be avoided. Being aware of the prevalence of the problem and the consequences of inaction are a necessary first step.
The best thing you can do to avoid it is to eat better, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise daily.
As my doctor once told me "It is all about the weight." Keep a healthy weight and you can avoid Syndrome X and the inevitable consequence of the disease of Diabetes. Isn't that worth it?
Jack Krohn has had Diabetes, Pre-diabetes and Syndrome X for nearly fifteen years. He speaks from the experiences he has had during that time. His new website is devoted to educating patients of DIABETES.
He is also a free lance writer-the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country according to EzineArticles. You can get FREE information on HOME SECURITY
He owns SECURITY SOLUTIONS a one stop resource that provides solutions and answers for all your self defense and home security problems. |
