Pre-stage metabolic syndrome leading to disease: daytime

Metabolic syndrome refers to a condition in which there is an abnormality in metabolism. Obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis) all occur at once in one individual, and if three or more of these are found, the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made. The root cause is presumed to be an increase in insulin resistance (the body’s response to insulin that lowers blood sugar decreases, making it difficult for muscle and fat cells to take in glucose, and to overcome this, more insulin is secreted, causing various problems) It causes diabetes, high blood pressure, as well as various cerebrovascular diseases. Jo Yoon-mo, a specialist in occupational and environmental medicine at the KMI Gwanghwamun Center, said, “Since insulin resistance is closely related to obesity, weight management is more important than anything else.

Visceral fat and triglycerides accumulated in the abdomen cause metabolic syndrome. [GETTYIMAGES]

Q What are the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome?
A“The five criteria are abdominal obesity, triglycerides, high-density (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. First of all, it is applicable if the waist circumference is more than 90cm for men and 80cm for women. In addition, the triglyceride level is 150 mg/dL or higher, and the HDL level is less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women. If your blood pressure is 130/85 mmHg or higher, or you are already being treated for high blood pressure, your fasting blood sugar is 100 mg/L or higher, or you are already taking blood sugar control medications.”

Q Why does abdominal obesity cause metabolic syndrome?
A“Abdominal obesity can be interpreted as meaning that there is a lot of visceral fat and triglycerides in the body. These harmful substances lower the function of insulin, resulting in insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, which do not function properly even when a large amount of insulin is secreted. It also affects lipid metabolism, which can lead to a complex phenomenon in which triglycerides increase even more.”

Q What is triglyceride?
A“It is a type of fat produced by synthesizing carbohydrates and fatty acids in the body. It is an essential substance because it is used as an energy source when energy is insufficient.

Q What is HDL cholesterol?
A“HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol that carries bad low-density (LDL) cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver.

Q How can I prevent metabolic syndrome?
A“I manage my diet and exercise regularly so I don’t become obese. It is known that 30 minutes or more of aerobic exercise per day or 150 minutes or more per week is beneficial. Also, excessive drinking can cause obesity, so it is very important to avoid drinking alcohol.”

_{※You can watch more detailed information regarding metabolic syndrome on the YouTube channel of the Korea Meteorological Administration.}

Weekly Donga No. 1342 (p61~61)