Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
metabolic syndrome
Cluster of cardiovascular risk factors including central obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance.
Full Definition
Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of interconnected cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The syndrome is characterized by central adiposity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension, and elevated fasting glucose or insulin resistance. Various diagnostic criteria exist, but most require the presence of at least three of five key components. The underlying pathophysiology involves insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and dysregulated adipokine production.
In Context
- "The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has increased dramatically alongside the obesity epidemic." — Epidemiological study
- "Lifestyle intervention remains the cornerstone of metabolic syndrome management." — Treatment protocol
Also known as
syndrome X
insulin resistance syndrome
Don't confuse with
diabetes mellitus
prediabetes