We can take advantage of the metabolic syndrome: it can be used as a simple and effective tool to assess health risks in people with type 2 diabetes and those without the condition. We can benefit from the universal availability of the tools needed to make a diagnosis – at no further cost. Given the excessive levels of death and disability suffered by people with type 2 diabetes and its associated conditions, it is of the utmost importance that early and appropriate steps are taken once a diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome is made. Fortunately, there are a range of management options for people with the metabolic syndrome to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Eberhard Standl reports.
waist circumference, waist measurement, lifestyle, drugs, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-1 receptor blockers, PROactive trial, GLP-I analogues, DPP-IV inhibitors