Blood Sugar and Metabolism – a Weighty Issue
Metabolic Syndrome or Syndrome X is the name given to a cluster of risk factors including
obesity, elevated blood lipid levels, high blood pressure and poor blood sugar control.
Together these symptoms, collectively a syndrome, put the patient at a greater risk of
developing Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
All of the risk factors are linked, the most common overriding factor being that of insulin
resistance and higher-than-normal levels of circulating glucose, and because each
condition is so prevalent in its own right, Metabolic Syndrome is estimated to affect a
quarter of the UK population.
People with Metabolic Syndrome tend to have three or more of the following:
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a waist circumference of 40 inches or more (in men) and 35 inches or more (in
women)
high levels of triglycerides (hyperglycidaemia) and low levels of ‘good’ HDL
cholesterol in the blood, the most significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and
cardiovascular disease1
high blood pressure that is consistently 140/90mmHg or higher
consistently high blood sugar levels (insulin resistance)
an increased risk of developing blood clots
a tendency to develop inflammation and oedema
According to Diabetes UK some of these symptoms may manifest as tiredness,
particularly after meals, an inability to focus properly or ‘brain fog’ and/or skin
hyperpigmentation. Most commonly, however, patients suffering from Metabolic
Syndrome will exhibit two major symptoms: resistance to insulin and abdominal obesity.
Although a person can be predisposed towards insulin resistance, being overweight and
physically inactive are the two single biggest causes of Metabolic Syndrome. Maintaining
a healthy weight and regular physical exercise are therefore essential.
A consistently high intake of sugar – this includes stodgy carbohydrates (white bread,
rice, pasta) that convert to sugar when they enter the gut – can weaken the body’s
response to insulin. Limiting your intake of refined and sugary foods is a must. Opt for
wholesome wholegrains, brown bread and rice, vegetable fats and oils, fish (especially
oily fish), lean meats such as turkey and chicken, and plenty of fresh, fibre-providing fruit
and vegetables.
If you need a helping hand shedding the pounds the certified medical device formoline
L112 can help. Germany’s no.1 slimming supplement, formoline 112 works by reducing the
overall calorie intake from food – specifically from dietary fats - removing them from the
body before they are digested.
It also promotes a feeling of fullness so users may naturally consume fewer calories, is
suitable for people with diabetes and can help to lower cholesterol intake. The clinical
relevance of additional therapy with formoline L112 is well-documented. One such study
(carried out on a group of overweight patients with Type 2 diabetes) found that those
1
M. Reiber, “Zu viel Fett im Blut: Gefähr für Herz und Gefäße”, Pharma Rundschau, May 2011
patients using formoline to lose weight did significantly better than those in the control
group. Furthermore, greater improvements in blood glucose, total cholesterol and LDL
cholesterol levels were reported in the formoline group2.
Increased physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices, such as cutting back on alcohol
consumption and stopping smoking, can also help to halt, and in some instances, reverse
Metabolic Syndrome.
formoline L112 costs £24.95 for 48 tablets and is available from pharmacies and health food
shops nationwide, or online at www.healthstuff.co.uk. Call 02890 703100 for your nearest
stockist.
2
Otto C, Stoll M, Heitmann C et al.: “Signifikante Gewichtsabnahme unter formoline L112 bei übergewichtigen
Typ-2-Diabetikern. Hrsg. Wirth A: formoline-Konzept – Strategie zur Adipositasbehandlung.
Neu-Isenburg 2008; 73-92.