Living With Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a lifelong condition. However,
lifestyle changes can help you reverse or reduce your risk factors and reduce
your risk of heart disease and diabetes. If you already have heart disease
and/or diabetes, lifestyle changes can help you prevent or delay complications
such as
heart
attack, stroke, and the long-term effects of diabetes (damage to your eyes,
nerves, kidneys, feet, and legs).
Making healthy lifestyle changes can include
following a healthy eating plan (such as the
Therapeutic
Lifestyle Changes diet), increasing your physical activity, and quitting
smoking. Part of managing metabolic syndrome also includes taking all of your
medicines as your doctor prescribes. For more information, see the
section on treatment.
Make realistic short- and long-term goals for
yourself when you begin to make healthy lifestyle changes. Work closely with
your doctor and seek regular medical care. |