The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
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Centers of Excellence
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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome (also known as Syndrome X) is a syndrome of insulin resistance where the cells of our body become less sensitive to the insulin produced by our pancreas, leading to elevated blood glucose and insulin levels. The precise mechanism is unknown. The American Heart Association estimates that more than 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome.
People with metabolic syndrome have a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. With some lifestyle changes, you may be able to stop the development of metabolic syndrome or other serious diseases and conditions.
Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors
There are some factors that may increase your chances of developing metabolic syndrome, including age (as much as 40% of people in their 60s), race (Hispanics and Asians are at greater risk), obesity (BMI > 25), history of diabetes and other diseases such as high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms
There are several symptoms of metabolic syndrome. If you have three of the following features, you may have metabolic syndrome and you may be more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
- Abdominal Obesity (> 35 inches in women; > 40 inches in men)
- High Blood Pressure (> 130 / 85)
- Elevated Fasting Blood Glucose (> 110)
- Low HDL Cholesterol ( 150)
Metabolic Syndrome Treatment
Treating your risk factors is a good way to treat metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle changes are the best metabolic syndrome treatment. The best treatment is a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Exercise 30 to 60 minutes every day.
- Lose weight; as little as 5% to 10% of your body weight can reduce insulin levels and blood pressure as well as decrease your risk of diabetes.
- Stop smoking.
Work with your doctor to monitor your weight, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure.
If you have one of the above symptoms, talk with your doctor to find out if you have others. Talk with your doctor about your treatment plan or make an appointment by calling 865.305.6970.