Metabolic syndrome is characterized by insulin resistance, abnormal glucose metabolism, and lipid abnormalities. It is caused by resistance to insulin in the liver, skeletal muscle, and fat tissue which overworks the pancreas. Over time, the pancreas loses function and leads to type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome starts with high triglycerides and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Treatment focuses on aggressively reducing cardiovascular risk through medical checks, lifestyle changes like a low calorie diet, and increasing physical activity.

1. Metabolic Syndrome
Luis Calderón

2. Metabolic Syndrome
 Insulin resistance
 Liver, Skeletal Muscle and Adipose/Fat Tissue
 Pancreas beta cells resistant to glucose
absorption

3. Metabolic Syndrome
 Once pancreas wears out turns into Diabetes II
 Starts by High Triglycerides
 Hyperglycemia directly associated to CVD

4. Recommendations for Treatment
 Once Diagnosed, aim to reduce CVD must be
aggressive.
 Patients should undergo a full CRA
 Healthy Lifestyle (Low Calorie Diet) and Physical
activity.

5. References
 Alberti KG, Zimmet P, Shaw J;
IDF Epidemiology Task Force Consensus Group.
The metabolic syndrome a new worldwide definition.
Lancet 2005; 366:1059-62.
 The metabolic syndrome, Diabetes Voice special
issue, May 2006, 51.
 Stern M, Williams K, Gonzalez-Villalpando C et al.
Does the metabolic syndrome improve identification
of individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes and/or
cardiovascular disease? Diabetes Care 2004;
27(11):2676-81
 www.idf.org/metabolic_syndrome, website of the
International Diabetes Federation