METABOLIC SYNDROME KEY POINTS
1.Metabolic syndrome is increasing but often goes unrecognised. 2.Measuring insulin resistance is unnecessary – measuring waist circumference is simpler and more important. 3.Ethnicity needs to be considered when cut-off points for waist measurement are used to screen for patients at risk of metabolic syndrome. 4.Risk factors for metabolic syndrome often cluster together, and the increase in risk is multiplied rather than added. 5.Modest weight loss (5kg) and/or increased physical exercise reduce the risk of developing diabetes in patients with metabolic syndrome.