Metabolic Syndrome
Chat Issue 25 Spring 2009
You may have heard of metabolic syndrome in Caswell as it is something we are all working to avoid. It typically involves:
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Weight gain ( particularly around the middle of the body)
When these things come together the term metabolic syndrome is used to describe them. The problem with this syndrome is that it places great strain on the body´s systems and can lead to physical health problems and possibly even strokes and heart attacks eventually.
Some people with mental health problems are prone to developing metabolic syndrome because:
- Motivation to exercise is reduced.
- Some medications increase appetite and cause weight gain.
- Some medication can increase blood sugar levels.
- Lack of energy to engage in physical activities.
- People with some mental health problems smoke more.
- High caffeine intake reduces medication levels meaning more medication is sometimes necessary.
Wherever possible it is important to try to avoid this in the first place but even if you do have some of the symptoms, there is much you can do to improve things, for example:
- Eat sensible portions at meal times.
- Try to eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid snacking between meals.
- Avoid sugary products.
- Reduce caffeine intake (tea, coffee, coke, chocolate etc)
- Try to stop or cut down on smoking (speak to your primary nurse as we can help you with this).
- Try to exercise for 30 minutes each day (any exercise is better than none, we can help you with this too). Exercise does not necessarily mean having to use the gym.
- Ask for your blood pressure to be checked every month or so.
- Understand that we are trying to help prevent this when we ask for bloods/ECG´s etc.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to speak to myself, RayD or any nursing staff member who can advise you on how to deal with this problem and prevent other health problems in later life.