Metabolic Syndrome Is a Preventable Condition

I have metabolic syndrome; in other words I have a condition called pre-diabetes, but there is more to metabolic syndrome than being a pre-diabetic. I will talk more about this syndrome in another paragraph. Along with metabolic syndrome I have other problems that cause health issues. One of the issues I have is severe itching all over my body. Last night I bumped my foot and it caused my foot and the area between my toes to start itching. It drove me almost insane. Nothing I tried helped it, so I just tried to ignore the itching until it finally went away. I have some kidney problems, and I was told by my doctor that itching is a common symptom of diabetes and kidney problems.

Mayo Clinic describes metabolic syndrome as more than one condition. It is a group of conditions which causes insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure and excessive weight to accumulate around the waistline and in the abdominal area. Metabolic syndrome puts you at risk for stroke, heart attack and diabetes. This doesn't have to be a life or death sentence; if you have the conditions which make up metabolic syndrome, you can make some definite lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of heart disease and diabetes type 2.

Symptoms of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is not just one condition. It is a syndrome or a group of conditions and symptoms that can cause life-threatening illnesses. For instance, my symptoms are obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, itchy skin, and elevated cholesterol levels. My itchy skin comes from the skin being dry and from possible nerve problems associated with pre-diabetes. For me, the best way to avoid itching skin is to avoid drying out my skin too much. It's important that I stay well hydrated and wear clothes that aren't too snug to my skin. It always helps to wear shoes or slippers, because if I bump my foot or toe, my first response is going to either be pain or itching.

Prevention of worsening symptoms of metabolic syndrome

I'm doing my best to prevent worsening of my metabolic syndrome symptoms. It takes major lifestyle changes to stop the progression of metabolic syndrome. I'm not there yet, but I'm trying. Maintaining a stable weight and eating a healthy diet and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day are major factors in preventing worsening of symptoms.

When I have them, I try to eat more fruits and vegetables than other fatty foods. When I shop I go around the perimeter of the store and avoid the isles as much as possible. You get more wholesome foods from shopping around the perimeter. The prepared foods are usually in the isles; they are full of sodium, sugar and fats. There are refrigerated and freezer sections on those isles that are full of tasty foods, but they are not good for us who have diabetes, pre-diabetes, weight, heart and blood pressure problems.

It can be difficult not to go down the shopping isles, especially when your family likes the prepared foods. It can be awfully expensive to buy food for yourself and then buy food that your family likes too. It can be so much better if you can get your family on board with living a healthier lifestyle. The problems you face now may be the same problems your children will face when they become your age.

Learn all you can about metabolic syndrome and how you can prevent the health problems that go with it. Include your family in this learning process and get their full support. You can live a healthier lifestyle and prevent the health problems that go alone with metabolic syndrome.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic

Personal experience