From the Guidelines
Metabolic disease refers to a group of disorders that disrupt normal metabolism, which is the process of converting food into energy and building blocks for the body, and is characterized by a cluster of risk factors including central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired fasting glucose, which increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These conditions occur when abnormal chemical reactions in the body alter the normal metabolic process. Common metabolic diseases include diabetes, which affects how the body uses blood sugar; thyroid disorders, which impact energy regulation; phenylketonuria (PKU), where the body cannot properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine; and disorders of lipid metabolism like familial hypercholesterolemia 1. Many metabolic diseases are inherited genetic disorders, while others develop due to lifestyle factors, organ dysfunction, or other health conditions.
Key Characteristics of Metabolic Disease
- Central obesity, defined as a waist circumference of ≥102 cm in men and ≥88 cm in women, is a key component of the metabolic syndrome 1
- Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired fasting glucose are also key components of the metabolic syndrome 1
- The metabolic syndrome is closely linked to excess weight and particularly to abdominal obesity 1
- The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has risen sharply among both adults and children as levels of overweight and obesity have risen 1
Treatment Approaches
- Lifestyle modification, with an emphasis on improving insulin sensitivity by means of dietary modification, weight reduction, and exercise, is the foundation of treatment of the metabolic syndrome 1
- Medication, such as statins and antidiabetic drugs, may be necessary to manage specific components of the metabolic syndrome, such as dyslipidemia and diabetes 1
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial as many metabolic diseases can cause serious complications if left untreated, potentially affecting multiple organ systems 1
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Management
- Regular medical check-ups that include blood tests can help detect metabolic abnormalities before they cause significant health problems 1
- The metabolic syndrome is a risk-enhancing factor for ASCVD, and early diagnosis and management can help reduce this risk 1
- Lifestyle therapies, such as dietary modification and exercise, can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in individuals with the metabolic syndrome 1
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Definition of Metabolic Disease
- Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic dysregulations including insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, central obesity, and hypertension 2.
- It is identified as a collection of impaired glucose metabolism, central obesity, elevated blood pressure, and dyslipidemia 3.
- MetS is a multiplex modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and other health outcomes 4.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
- Approximately 25% of the world's population has MetS, with a higher prevalence in men and Hispanics, and an increase in incidence with age 3.
- The underlying risk factors include insulin resistance and abdominal obesity 3.
- MetS is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus 3, 2.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnostic approaches vary but commonly focus on abdominal obesity, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension 4.
- Management of MetS prioritizes lifestyle modifications, such as healthy dietary patterns, physical activity, and management of excess visceral and ectopic adiposity 4.
- Treatment of MetS begins with therapeutic lifestyle changes and then pharmacologic treatment of the syndrome's individual components 3.
- Effective interventions include diet modification, exercise, and use of pharmacologic agents to treat risk factors 3.