Metabolic Syndrome X
Jeff Kazmucha, Master Trainer
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Numerous terms exist which acknowledge a cluster of the following well-known chronic health conditions: abdominal obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension. Even hyperglycemia and low high-density lipoprotein levels are associated with the aforementioned terms. Today, this sinister-sounding cluster of chronic health conditions is more commonly referred to as Metabolic Syndrome X. More importantly, if any of these health conditions occur simultaneously, there is a predisposition to Alzheimer's disease, cancer, cardiovascular heart disease, non-insulin dependant diabetes or premature aging.

At Stanford University, a group of researchers developed and made claim to Metabolic Syndrome X. Specifically, recent research states 22% of American adults between the ages of 20-79 have at least three chronic health conditions associated with Metabolic Syndrome X. Although there is a cluster of health conditions associated with Syndrome X, it is most commonly linked with insulin resistance.

Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas produces and secretes to allow the body’s tissues to utilize blood glucose. Body tissue cells contain receptors that bind onto insulin in order to transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cell. Then, tissue cells either convert the glucose into energy or store it as glycogen inside the liver or muscles. Insulin resistance occurs if the body tissue’s receptor cells act sluggishly. Currently, it is believed that 10-20% of certain American adults are biologically or genetically predisposed to insulin resistance.