What is the Metabolic Syndrome?
The Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of medical conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other health complications. It is characterized by abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose levels, elevated triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol levels. It is estimated to affect around 25% of the population worldwide and is diagnosed using the criteria established by the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, American Heart Association, World Heart Federation, International Atherosclerosis Society, and International Association for the Study of Obesity. 