As I discussed with you in last week’s issue, abdominal obesity and insulin resistance seem to be the fundamental risk factors for metabolic syndrome as well as characteristics of Type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, Type 2 diabetes can often result when metabolic syndrome is not corrected.

• Family history of diabetes—Do you have a family member(s) who has been diagnosed with diabetes? If so, your chances of becoming a diabetic are much greater.
• Excess body weight—Being overweight increases your risk of suffering from diabetes. Abdominal obesity is especially harmful.
• Low blood sugar—Symptoms of nausea, blurred vision, weakness or moodiness after meals.
• High triglycerides—This is an early sign of a high insulin state.
• Metabolic Syndrome—A combination of underlying health problems that increase your chances of both heart disease and diabetes.
• Skin tags—If you have skin that projects from surrounding skin especially on your eyelids, neck, armpits, and groin, then you have an 80 percent chance of developing diabetes.
• Polycystic ovary disease—A disease characterized by obesity, facial hair and fewer than normal monthly menstrual cycles.
• Birthing large babies—Giving birth to a baby over nine pounds.
• Race/ethnicity—African Americans, Native Alaskans, Native Americans, Asians, Hispanics or Pacific Islanders all have high rates of diabetes.
• Exhibiting the following symptoms: Increased urination, excessive thirst, recurrent blurred vision, numbness in the toes, heart disease, hypertension or excess anger/depression.

Now you are armed with information to prepare for your war with metabolic syndrome or any of its components. Since you are aware of the signs to watch out for, you now have the opportunity to make aggressive lifestyle changes that can help delay or curb the development of serious diseases that can stem from metabolic syndrome—even Type 2 diabetes!