Metabolic syndrome is the name given to a cluster of medical conditions that significantly increase an individual’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attack and stroke.

Definitions of metabolic syndrome vary. The National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association describe it as the presence of at least three of the following conditions:

• Abdominal obesity
High blood pressure
Insufficient  HDL “good” cholesterol
• Elevated triglycerides
• Elevated fasting glucose (prediabetes)

Insulin resistance is also commonly included as one of the possible factors in metabolic syndrome.

The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is unknown. However, many researchers believe that insulin resistance, in addition to being a component, is a contributing factor, along with:

• Age
• Race
• Weight 
• History of diabetes
• Other diseases

Because this condition is characterized by obesity, treatment generally includes weight loss, modifications to diet, exercise and, if necessary, medication.