MS is associated with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome itself is not a disease but rather a group of risk factors. If you have three out of the following risk factors, you have metabolic syndrome.
Large waistline (for men, 40 inches or larger; for women, 35 inches or larger).
High triglycerides: either 150 mg/dL (or higher) or using cholesterol drugs.
Low Good Cholesterol (HDL): either Less than 40 mg/dL (men), Less than 50 mg/dL (women) or using cholesterol drugs.
High Blood pressure (BP): either BP: 135/85 mmHg or greater or using blood pressure drugs.
Blood sugar: High fasting Glucose Level: 100 mg/dL or higher.
These risk factors double your risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, and raise your risk of developing diabetes five times.
The good news: metabolic syndrome can be successfully treated with diet and other lifestyle changes.
Some studies link MS with metabolic syndrome, while others don’t. My explanation is that some of the risk factors described above are are not always seen in MS. For example, MS is associated with low blood pressure, not high blood pressure. People with MS are often fit or thin, rather than overweight. However, the other risk factors involving fat and sugar metabolism are prevalent in MS. A recent, 2017 study found an overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome of 31% in a group of 222 participants with MS [3].
Altered metabolism of sugar (insulin resistance, low glucose levels in the brain) is clearly associated with MS (and plays a significant role in neurodegeneration). Insulin has a significant impact, not only on sugar metabolism, but also on lipid metabolism (which is affected in MS). Furthermore- the complications of metabolic syndrome such as heart diseases and strokes are more common in MS than in general population.
MS progression is linked with reduced mobility and less physical activity, leading to more fatigue, and weakness, thus increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can also trigger MS and is considered a poor prognostic factor [1]
Thus, it’s worth looking into preventing or managing metabolic syndrome. </h3>
Metabolic syndrome can be prevented and managed with lifestyle changes : healthy diet (see the “Diet” section), aiming for a healthy weight, manage stress, work out 3-4 times a week. Treating sleep apnea with CPAP can significantly improve metabolic syndrome [2].
