Insulin resistance is a major cause of metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance may be the most important condition which combined with other conditions, leads to metabolic syndrome.

Our bodies make a hormone called insulin. Insulin moves sugar called glucose from the blood into the cells to make energy. Insulin resistance occurs when insulin cannot move enough glucose from the blood into the cells. The body continues to make insulin because the cells need more glucose to do their work. As a result, the blood has higher levels of both insulin and glucose.

Mild rises of blood sugar are called “impaired glucose tolerance� or “pre-diabetes.� If the blood sugar goes high enough or stays high for long enough, it is called “diabetes�. To learn more about pre-diabetes and diabetes, see Diabetes

The primary causes of insulin resistance and of the other conditions that make up metabolic syndrome are genetics, life style, diet, and weight. All of these interact with each other.

Genetics. Genetics is simply what you inherit at birth from your parents, such as the color of your hair or eyes, or how tall you may become. But genetics can play a big role in your health. Genetics contributes to metabolic syndrome through the inherited tendency of some people to develop insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol levels. These conditions occur more often in some families. That means if your parents or other close family members have any of these conditions you may be at a greater risk of developing them. It does not mean that you will develop any of the conditions, only that you are more likely to develop them. You should watch for symptoms of these conditions and actively try to prevent them from occurring.

Life Style. Life style contributes to developing metabolic syndrome because people who do not exercise are at a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese. People who do not exercise often have higher cholesterol. Exercise can help in avoiding insulin resistance and a lack of exercise seems to contribute to becoming insulin resistant. Lack of exercise is also associated with high overall cholesterol and a lowering of “good� cholesterol. Exercise helps keep a normal blood pressure and a lack of exercise plays a role in developing high blood pressure.

Diet. Diets high in carbohydrates or sugars may contribute to the development of insulin resistance. Your choice of foods can also affect your cholesterol levels. Diet is also a major factor in high blood pressure.

Weight. Being overweight (especially to the point of obesity) seems to be a major factor in developing metabolic syndrome. Obesity is believed to cause insulin resistance as well as playing a major role in High Blood Pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and increased blood clotting.

• Only about 5% of people with normal body weight will ever develop metabolic syndrome.
• 22% of overweight people are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
• 60% of people who are obese will eventual suffer from metabolic syndrome. That means more than one of every two obese people will develop metabolic syndrome, with far too many of them going on to have diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or other life threatening conditions.

As you look at the causes of metabolic syndrome you will notice that they seem connected. Diet and inactivity can lead to weight gain. People who are overweight often find it more difficult to exercise and be active, leading to even more weight gain. Inactivity, weight gain, and poor diet can become a vicious circle in which things get worse and worse and eventually metabolic syndrome develops.

To learn more:

Insulin Resistance
(Answers.com)

Answers.com is a free, ad-supported, reference search service. Their article on insulin resistance is a good overview of the condition.

http://www.answers.com/topic/insulin-resistance?cat=health

Metabolic Syndrome

Information about metabolic syndrome from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

https://familydoctor.org/condition/metabolic-syndrome/

Understanding Adult Obesity

Information provided by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/weight-control/u
nderstanding/Pages/understanding-adult-overweight-and-obesity.aspx

next » What are the Signs and Symptoms of metabolic syndrome?

Written by: Christopher A. Colthorpe, M.A., M.A.Ed., M.L.I.S.
Reviewed by: Jeffrey G. Schultze, M.D.
Last Modified: Thursday December 08, 2016 9:02 PM