Metabolic Syndrome AKA Insulin Resistance, Syndrome X, Pre-diabetes has been defined as 3 or more of the following present:

• Elevated fasting glucose (100 mg/dL or higher)
• Elevated triglycerides (150 mg/dL or higher)
• Reduced HDL cholesterol (Less than 40 mg/dL for males and less than 50 mg/dL for females)
• Hypertension (Systolic 130 mm Hg or higher and/or diastolic 85 mm Hg or higher)
• Central obesity (waist circumference of more than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women)

If untreated, the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance can progress to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease in which there is a persistent high level of sugar in the blood. With type 2 diabetes, the fat, liver, and muscle cells do not respond correctly to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. As a result, blood sugar does not get into these cells to be stored for energy. When sugar cannot enter cells, a high level of sugar builds up in the blood, called hyperglycemia.

Type 2 diabetes usually develops slowly over time. Family history and genes play a role in type 2 diabetes.

Contributing factors to developing prediabetes and diabetes include Poor lifestyles such as low activity and poor diet, pollution, chemicals and toxins, certain medications such as older beta blockers, diuretics, antipsychotics, statins, elevated uric acid, smoking, stress, etc.

Type 2 diabetes affects many major organs, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys.

An integrative treatment approach emphasizes changes in lifestyle such as diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and stress reduction, amongst others. It also utilizes supplements and, if needed, medications to help reduce the blood sugar levels.