Syndrome X and Type II Diabetes

The label Syndrome X has been created to describe a state in which the normal metabolism of carbohydrates has been damaged and is in the process of breaking down. Most medical researchers tend to think of Syndrome X as a sort of pre-diabetic state, a kind of pre-diabetes though it may take years or even decades for someone to make the final transition to full-blown type II diabetes.

Syndrome X is usually defined by a fasting blood sugar reading of between 80 (normal) and 125 with any reading of over 126 (taken on two separate occasions) constituting type II diabetes. This is how doctors diagnose Syndrome X and diabetes.

Though most doctors will warn their patients that diabetes is a very dangerous disease that should be carefully avoided as it causes a long list of terrible complications including premature death due to the accelerated development of heart disease.

Though most physicians will warn their patients that they must do all they can to avoid being diagnosed with diabetes - very few feel that blood sugar readings below 125 are of any particular concern - few will warn of the many dangers of Syndrome X.

Truth is, when blood sugar levels begin to creep up above normal levels, the body's ability to metabolize sugar is being damaged and the many complications commonly associated with type II diabetes begin to develop .

Syndrome X causes the very same complications that full-blown type II diabetes causes! The only difference between Syndrome X and type II diabetes is that with Syndrome X the damage will accumulate a bit more slowly.

If your fasting blood sugar level is over 100 - you are in danger and should take immediate action to restore normal sugar metabolism.

Most physicians are in the habit of telling their patients who have fasting blood sugar levels of between 100 and 125 that their reading is only "high normal" and is of little concern. There's nothing magical about the number 125. You know you're in trouble when your fasting blood sugar level creeps up above your normal level. Ask your doctor to keep an eye on the level and compare the readings over time. It's your best defense against ending up struggling with a terrible disease like type II diabetes.

If you have Syndrome X, how does it effect your body? First you'll notice that your cholesterol level has increased. This places you at an increased risk of developing heart disease and dying of heart failure or a sudden heart attack.

Not only does Syndrome X increase the cholesterol level, it also changes the composition of the cholesterol itself by converting the more harmless larger kind of cholesterol cells into the much more dangerous smaller particles which are much more likely to more rapidly develop into atherosclerotic plaques which means heart disease.

Then you'll usually find that your triglyceride level has risen. This is yet another kind of fat that is now circulating in your blood stream at an increased level.

Though doctors seldom if ever measure it (the lab test is a bit tricky which means it's hard to perform and the resultant lab results may or may not be accurate) the level of insulin circulating in the blood.

WARNING: High levels of insulin in the blood contribute to the development of not only heart disease and type II diabetes, but also to a long list of chronic degenerative diseases. Hyperinsulinemia (high blood insulin level) is a major cause of disease and death in the U.S.. You'll be hearing much more about the dangers of excessive insulin levels in the future.

Most Syndrome X patients also have mildly to moderately elevated blood pressure readings. Most are on some sort of blood pressure medication.

The Syndrome X - Testosterone Connection

In men having too much insulin in the blood stream can lead to reduced levels of testosterone which can have disastrous consequences. Those men with low testosterone levels don't live as long, have more heart attacks, more strokes, more osteoporosis and a reduced libido (desire for sex) also.

Most Syndrome X sufferers are obese. Research has shown that if your blood insulin level is excessive, you'll have a much harder time losing weight and will also be unable to keep it off over the long haul.

So here's a summary list of the many symptoms of Syndrome X

Elevated LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol)

Converts harmless cholesterol into deadly cholesterol

Reduces HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)

Elevated blood triglycerides

Elevated blood insulin

Increased risk of obesity

High blood pressure

And here's a terrible kicker. Those with the highest levels of insulin in their blood are at several times the risk of being diagnosed with various forms of cancer. This is particularly true of one of the most feared cancers - breast cancer. (More on that link later).

Odd fact - many Syndrome X sufferers have a crease in their earlobe that extends downward at a 45 degree rate toward their shoulder. It's long been noted that this earlobe crease seems to predispose individuals to diabetes but it's now known that it also can be a warning sign of diabetes by indicating that the person may be suffering from Syndrome X.

In summary, medical researchers known very well that Syndrome X is a serious heath problem despite what your doctor may be telling you. If your fasting blood sugar readings are creeping up - even a little bit - my advise is to take action as quickly as possible. Start by telling your doctor that you are aware of the consequences of Syndrome X . If they dismiss your concerns as unfounded or want to prescribe a long list of drugs - find another doctor.