Dr. Arien van der Merwe's presentation discusses metabolic syndrome, which includes insulin resistance and diabetes. It affects over 300 million people worldwide and is a major health challenge. The presentation covers the definition and diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, symptoms, causes such as genetics, stress, and diet, and solutions like lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and stress management. Dr. van der Merwe emphasizes the importance of nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and emotional well-being for preventing and managing metabolic syndrome.
4. Statistics
• >3.5 million diagnosed diabetes SA
• 2010 - 150 million people diagnosed with metabolic
syndrome
• <50% actually diagnosed - utmost importance of regular
health, wellness screenings
• Increase to 300 million by 2030
• Compare: 35 million HIV+ people globally, 22 million of
those in Africa
• Metabolic syndrome much bigger health challenge -
integrative medical and wellness solutions essential
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6. Definition & Diagnosis
• Fasting blood sugar finger prick test
• High: glucose tolerance test (GTT)
• Values over 5.5 mmol - high
• > 5.0 high normal, addressed as high blood sugar -
lifestyle changes
• To prevent levels from rising even more – true
preventative medicine
• Fasting insulin test part of regular screening, esp. > 50
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7. Symptoms of MetS
• High blood sugar, blood pressure might be
present for years without any symptoms
• Early symptoms might include extreme
thirst, frequent urinating, headaches,
fatigue, nausea – non specific
• Frequent candida (thrush) or other
infections, or sores on skin that don’t heal
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15. Feel good / long life: Serotonin,
Dopamine
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• Rice, potato, pasta
• Bananas, hot peppers
• Legumes/beans
• Walnuts, almonds
• Sesame, pumpkin seeds
• Negative ionizer
bedroom
• Exercise, making love
• Kissing: oxytocin
• 10-20 minutes sunlight
per day - early am, late
afternoon
• 5 HTP, St John’s wort
• Oils: lavender, rose,
orange blossom
• Feelings of peace, joy,
bliss
16. Wellness definition of fitness:
• Ability to meet the needs of your lifestyle with ease
• Exercise improves insulin sensitivity in muscles, better
glucose uptake, more energy/fuel in muscles, drop in
blood glucose levels. Interval training.
• Do something you enjoy – many health benefits: dance,
yoga, swimming, tai chi, walk. Music & mood
• Healthy spine, core: pelvis, chest, head
Regular physical activity
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22. Step 3: relax at least twice a day
Daily Relaxation for Optimal Resilience and Wellbeing
• Start, end day in alpha-theta mode:
stretch, tune in, connect to core – 10-
20 minutes
• Set intentions
• Tune in to emotions - reset
• Journaling
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23. Support
• Books, CD’s, Workshops,
Wellness Educator Training,
Health Coaching
• Nutriceuticals, herbal
remedies
• Online courses
• Support group sessions
www.DrArien.co.za
Books / Relaxation CD /
Online Health Courses