A deadly quartet - metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes

Did you know that type 2 diabetes is only diagnosed when the blood values are permanently too high? But there are warning values much earlier that indicate a later disease!

A deadly quartet

Years before the development of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, warning signs can be noticed in the body that already herald the disease. If they are ignored, they pave the way for many problems. These include

1. Insulin resistance (increased blood sugar level or disturbed carbohydrate metabolism)
2. Overweight
3. High blood pressure
4. Poor lipid levels (elevated blood lipid levels and low HDL levels)

However, these factors not only increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes are also on the rise and are now the number one cause of death. 

Please note: Each of the 4 disorders can already damage the blood vessels in the long term!

So basically, each disorder is already very bad for us. But in combination they mean the absolute worst-case scenario for our health. As they often occur together and are therefore interrelated, they are referred to as "metabolic syndrome" summarized.

➤ Diabetes is directly linked to cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death in Europe!

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Why don't we just do something about it sooner?

The syndrome has its pitfalls. It develops slowly and insidiously over many years due to an unhealthy lifestyle and therefore remains undetected for a long time. 

Who can it affect?

According to observations, it could have a family background. But this alone does not trigger metabolic syndrome. The syndrome is only triggered by certain factors for which we are usually responsible ourselves.

These include many years of unhealthy overeating with lots of sugar (carbohydrates) and bad fats, lack of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and alcohol. There are also new studies that indicate that chronic stress is also involved in the development of the syndrome. Due to these factors, it is often referred to as "affluence disease" or "syndrome X". 

The risk of developing metabolic syndrome increases with advancing age in particular. This most frequently affects people over 60. But researchers warn that children and young people are also affected. More and more young people are showing metabolic abnormalities!

➤ It is estimated that one in four people will develop metabolic syndrome in the course of their lives!

Attention: Metabolic syndrome and COVID-19!

According to a new American study, people suffering from metabolic syndrome have a 4-fold higher risk of contracting a severe or fatal COVID-19 infection! According to the researchers, this is because inflammation levels increase in metabolic syndrome and thus promote infection with the virus. For example, at the peak of the first wave of the disease, 80% of severe coronavirus cases suffered from hypertension, 65% from obesity and 54% from diabetes.

➤ Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of severe to fatal COVID-19 infection by a factor of 4!

Reverse metabolic syndrome?

What can you do now to reduce or reverse your risk of metabolic syndrome and subsequently type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease?

1) Change your lifestyle

According to studies, in addition to a generally balanced, healthy diet and a sugar-free diet, one dietary approach in particular stands out as a solution to metabolic syndrome: intermittent fasting.

A study conducted in 2019 found that intermittent fasting helped patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. In the study, restricting eating to a 10-hour window led to weight loss, lower blood pressure and a reduced waist circumference or less visceral fat. 

In addition to an optimized diet, you should also adjust the rest of your lifestyle. Take regular walks, go swimming or try yoga. The main thing is to get moving. It is also important that you reduce stress at an early stage and thus prevent chronic stress. Get enough sleep, as this also promotes physical and mental health.

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2)  Intestinal flora: health starts from within 

According to the results of a study conducted in 2014, the intestinal flora appears to have a major influence on metabolic syndrome.

Poor intestinal flora increases the risk of the syndrome, as bad gut bacteria trigger inflammatory processes. At the same time, however, an intact intestinal flora can help prevent metabolic syndrome and even help those affected to reverse it.

What is the best way to build up your intestinal flora? With probiotics! Because these contain exactly the beneficial intestinal bacteria that the intestinal flora needs to work without disruption.

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3) The power of antioxidants: R-alpha lipoic acid 

More and more researchers are convinced by R-alpha lipoic acid. This powerful antioxidant has been used in Germany for over 30 years to treat diabetes-induced neuropathy. According to new studies, R-alpha lipoic acid also has an insulin-sensitizing effect and can thus counteract certain disorders.

4) Are you getting enough sun? - Vitamin D

Observational studies have found positive associations between optimal vitamin D levels and patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Results suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with metabolic disorders in type 2 diabetes. In addition, other studies report that vitamin D deficiency is associated with insulin resistance.

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Conclusion:

Metabolic syndrome is considered to be the quintessence of an unhealthy lifestyle. This is precisely why you should start early. Try to eat a generally more balanced diet and exercise regularly. Because the syndrome is no joke and once it's there, it's hard to get rid of!

Sources (in English)

 Amihăesei, I. C., & Chelaru, L. (2014). Metabolic syndrome a widespread threatening condition; risk factors, diagnostic criteria, therapeutic options, prevention and controversies: an overview. Revista medico-chirurgicala a Societatii de Medici si Naturalisti din Iasi, 118(4), 896–900.

Chassaing, B., Ley, R. E., & Gewirtz, A. T. (2014). Intestinal epithelial cell toll-like receptor 5 regulates the intestinal microbiota to prevent low-grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome in mice. Gastroenterology, 147(6), 1363–77.e17. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2014.08.033

Evans, J. L., & Goldfine, I. D. (2000). Alpha-lipoic acid: a multifunctional antioxidant that improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes technology & therapeutics, 2(3), 401–413. https://doi.org/10.1089/15209150050194279

Ibrahimpasic K. (2013). Alpha lipoic acid and glycaemic control in diabetic neuropathies at type 2 diabetes treatment. Medical archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina), 67(1), 7–9. https://doi.org/10.5455/medarh.2013.67.7-9