Comment from: DadandSon, 45-54 Male (Patient)Published: April 13
On March 11, my son and I spent the day at a diabetes center, having the fasting test along with other tests performed. I am 51 years old; my son is 17. I had gained weight for the last several years in spite of cutting back on portions and exercising. I developed gout as a 50th birthday present. I felt as if I had to have a nap in the middle of the day. Most days, I just plain felt bad. I weighed 267 pounds the day of the tests. My son weighed 245 pounds. Our excess weight is around our midsections.
My son had been fighting the weight problem for a couple of years also. He is a very active teenager. We were at a loss as to what was happening to us. We couldn't sleep well at night and woke up tired. I had been sleeping in another bedroom for the last two years so my wife was not kept awake by my snoring. The kids said it shook the house.
We were both diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Our fasting insulin levels exceeded 300 (as high as the test would go). My triglycerides were at 181, and the coronary risk was rated a 6, with 4 being the normal high mark. Both of our vitamin D levels were low: mine at 21, his at 14. A 50 is considered low. Both of us had low testosterone levels, and he had excess blood (almost two units). This shocked me. It was a “come to Jesus” moment for us.
The doctor said to find a diet that would work for us and gave us limits on our carb intake. We were both put on metformin, vitamin D pills, omega-3 fish oil pills, cinnamon pills and a vitamin B12 shot once a week. He said we had to get the junk out of our diet; not junk food, junk in our food. We found the "diet solution" online and have been following it as close as we can, doing a little more each week. It has made us read all labels, eliminating sugars, processed foods, unpronounceable chemicals and going as organic as possible. Our bread is now the Ezekiel bread and Spelt bread. We only drink raw milk and eat organic chickens and fertilized eggs. We have always had organic beef raised by a neighbor.
As of today, April 13th, I have lost eight pounds. I sleep at night, and my wife has let me move back into our bedroom. The snoring is very little now. I have my energy back, and it is getting better. My son says he has more energy, and his excess blood is down half a unit as of April 9th. He won't tell me how much weight he has lost. Darn teenagers! We both see the doctor in June to redo the tests and to show our success. It will only get better from here.
Comment from: Female, Kentucky, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: June 20
I have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and high blood pressure (HBP) within the past five years. During this time, I had gained nearly 60 pounds, even though I stayed active and didn't overindulge on any regular basis. I was extremely fatigued and most days I did not even want to crawl out of bed to go to work. During the course, my doctors had put me on lisinopril for HBP and metformin to control the PCOS. My HBP remained in check, but I still continued to gain weight and remain fatigued. In July of last year, my gynecologist diagnosed me with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome and put me on Victoza. This was a newer drug to the market and an injection. It took about three months for adjustment to the medicine, but my fatigue began to disappear and I lost 8 pounds through April of this year. In May, I decided to cut breads, pastas, fried foods, potatoes, and cakes/candies out of my diet (even though I LOVE them). In that time I have lost another 26 pounds. I am feeling much better: I have more energy during the day and I even sleep better at night. Not to say that Victoza is the right choice for everyone, but it may be worth asking your doctor about it.
Comment from: Tigereye16, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: April 25
I was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome by my endocrinologist. She put me on Byetta (samples) and it changed my life! My blood pressure went down, I slept better, I quit sweating, and my triglycerides dropped. I started exercising, and I dropped 15 pounds. I felt great! The problem now is that no doctor or insurance will pay for Byetta unless you are already a type II diabetic! How dumb is that?! Now I am back up to 50 points on LDL and feeling pretty crappy.
Comment from: Hungery, 25-34 Male (Caregiver)Published: June 08
My husband was coined this term by his doctor when he was now thin 158 at 5'11. He's on meds and still has this we eat supper healthy and cut out all bad fats and still; he runs 7 miles a day 4 days a week and even ran in a marathon and still he's only 33 and I'm afraid is life will somehow be cut short due to his genetic predisposition. Now I worry out my kids.
Comment from: ladybug, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: October 30
I have gained weight in my mid section for the first time in my life. I am now in my mid 40's. Both parents deceased and both developed diabetes type 2 and resulting heart disease. I visually look like I remember my mother looking and I have never had children nor have a reason to have a thick middle section. I find it unbelievable that doctors are not concerned with my concern. My body is doing some changes and I can't find a doctor who wants to help me who wants to help me prevent type 2 diabetes. I cut out carbs drastically as I know excessive carbs have always made me gain weight, but never have I gained it in my mid section.
Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on MedicineNet. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. MedicineNet does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Suggested Reading on Metabolic Syndrome by Our Doctors
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly
elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above
140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
Cirrhosis of the liver refers to a disease in which normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue caused by alcohol and viral hepatitis B and C. This disease leads to abnormalities in the liver's ability to handle toxins and blood flow, causing internal bleeding, kidney failure, mental confusion, coma, body fluid accumulation, and frequent infections. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin, itching, and fatigue.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol, conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. High cholesterol treatment includes lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), and medications such as statins, bile acid resins, and fibric acid derivatives.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
Sleep apnea is defined as a reduction or cessation of breathing during sleep. The three types of sleep apnea are central apnea, obstructive apnea (OSA), and a mixture of central and obstructive apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by a failure of the brain to activate the muscles of breathing during sleep. OSA is caused by the collapse of the airway during sleep. OSA is diagnosed and evaluated through patient history, physical examination and polysomnography. There are many complications related to obstructive sleep apnea. Treatments are surgical and non-surgical.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a wide spectrum of liver disease ranging from simple fatty liver (steatosis), to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), to cirrhosis (irreversible, advanced scarring of the liver). All of the stages of NAFLD have in common the accumulation of fat (fatty infiltration) in the liver cells (hepatocytes).
Insulin resistance is the diminished ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into muscle and other tissues. Causes of insulin can include conditions such as stress, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and steroid use. Some of the risk factors for insulin resistance include fatty liver, heart disease, strokes, peripheral vascular disease, high cholesterol, and smoking. Treatment for insulin resistance are lifestyle changes and if necessary, medication.
Cushing's syndrome, sometimes referred to as hypercortisolism, is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Symptoms may include obesity, thinning arms and legs, a rounded face, and increased fat around the neck. Some causes of Cushing's syndrome is from taking glucocorticoid hormones such as prednisone for inflammatory diseases. Treatment for Cushing's syndrome depends on the cause.
Heart disease (coronary artery disease) is caused by a buildup of cholesterol deposits in the coronary arteries. Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, heredity, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and obesity. Symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath. There are a variety of tests used to diagnose coronary artery disease. Treatment includes life-style changes, medications, procedures, or surgery.
Obesity is the state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been
considered to be obese if they are more than 20 percent over their ideal weight.
That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and
build.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH or Forestier's disease) is a form of degenerative arthritis. It is characterized by calcification along the sides of the vertebrae of the spine. Symptoms include stiffness and pain in the upper and lower back. Anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat DISH.
A diabetic diet, or diabetes diet helps keep blood glucose levels in the target range for patients. Exercise and medication may also help stabilize blood glucose levels. Keeping track of when you take your diabetic medicine, keeping track of food choices, eating the proper amount of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and fats will also help maintain proper blood glucose levels.
The risks for developing type 2 diabetes include family history, ethnicity, birth weight, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Warning signs pointing to an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes include irregular menstruation, impaired fasting glucose, inflammatory markers, and other risks. Gestational diabetes is also a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Prevention of type 2 diabetes can be achieved through a healthy diet (Mediterranean diet), exercise, weight control, not smoking, and medication.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
Cholesterol occurs naturally in the body. High blood cholesterol levels increase a person's risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, TIAs, and more. In addition to medication (fibrates, statins, bile acid sequestrants, and niacin), lifestyle changes can be made to lower blood cholesterol levels
Menopause is defined as the state of an absence of menstrual periods for 12 months. The
menopausal transition starts with varying
menstrual cycle length
and ends with the final menstrual period. Perimenopause means "the time around menopause"
and is often used to refer to the menopausal transitional period. It is not officially a medical term, but is sometimes used to
explain certain aspects of the menopause transition in lay terms. Postmenopause
is the entire
period of time that comes after the last menstrual period.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when the function of the ovaries
ceases. The ovary (female gonad), is one of a pair of reproductive glands in
women. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each
ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and female
hormones such as estrogen. During each
monthly menstrual cycle, an egg is released f...
On March 11, my son and I spent the day at a diabetes center, having the fasting test along with other tests performed. I am 51 years old; my son is 17. I had gained weight for the last several years in spite of cutting back on portions and exercising. I developed gout as a 50th birthday present. I felt as if I had to have a nap in the middle of the day. Most days, I just plain felt bad. I weighed 267 pounds the day of the tests. My son weighed 245 pounds. Our excess weight is around our midsections. My son had been fighting the weight problem for a couple of years also. He is a very active teenager. We were at a loss as to what was happening to us. We couldn't sleep well at night and woke up tired. I had been sleeping in another bedroom for the last two years so my wife was not kept awake by my snoring. The kids said it shook the house. We were both diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Our fasting insulin levels exceeded 300 (as high as the test would go). My triglycerides were at 181, and the coronary risk was rated a 6, with 4 being the normal high mark. Both of our vitamin D levels were low: mine at 21, his at 14. A 50 is considered low. Both of us had low testosterone levels, and he had excess blood (almost two units). This shocked me. It was a “come to Jesus” moment for us. The doctor said to find a diet that would work for us and gave us limits on our carb intake. We were both put on metformin, vitamin D pills, omega-3 fish oil pills, cinnamon pills and a vitamin B12 shot once a week. He said we had to get the junk out of our diet; not junk food, junk in our food. We found the "diet solution" online and have been following it as close as we can, doing a little more each week. It has made us read all labels, eliminating sugars, processed foods, unpronounceable chemicals and going as organic as possible. Our bread is now the Ezekiel bread and Spelt bread. We only drink raw milk and eat organic chickens and fertilized eggs. We have always had organic beef raised by a neighbor. As of today, April 13th, I have lost eight pounds. I sleep at night, and my wife has let me move back into our bedroom. The snoring is very little now. I have my energy back, and it is getting better. My son says he has more energy, and his excess blood is down half a unit as of April 9th. He won't tell me how much weight he has lost. Darn teenagers! We both see the doctor in June to redo the tests and to show our success. It will only get better from here.
Related Reading: diabetes | gout | sleep