A large waist size can point to metabolic syndrome. Also, people with high blood sugar might notice symptoms of diabetes. These include being thirstier than usual, urinating more than usual, being tired and having blurred vision.

If you have at least one metabolic syndrome condition, such as high blood pressure, ask your healthcare professional about testing for other conditions that are part of the syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is closely linked to overweight or obesity and inactivity

It's also linked to a condition called insulin resistance. Usually, the digestive system breaks down foods into sugar. The pancreas makes the hormone insulin. And insulin helps sugar enter cells to be used as fuel.

In people with insulin resistance, cells don't respond as expected to insulin. So sugar, known as glucose, can't get into the cells as easily. As a result, blood sugar levels rise even though the body is making more insulin to try to lower the blood sugar.

The following can increase the chances of having metabolic syndrome:

• Age. Risk of metabolic syndrome goes up with age.
• Ethnicity. In the United States, people who are Hispanic appear to be at the greatest risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
• Obesity. Carrying too much weight, especially around the stomach, increases the risk of metabolic syndrome.
• Diabetes. People who had diabetes during pregnancy, also known as gestational diabetes, are at greater risk of metabolic syndrome. That's also true of people who have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
• Other diseases. Other conditions linked to metabolic syndrome include steatotic liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome and sleep apnea.
• Diet and exercise. People who eat an unhealthy diet and don't get enough physical activity are at higher risk of metabolic syndrome.

Having metabolic syndrome can increase the risk of:

• Type 2 diabetes. Not staying at a healthy weight can lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can cause blood sugar to rise. Over time, insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes.

• Heart and blood vessel disease. High cholesterol and high blood pressure can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque can narrow and harden the arteries. Narrowed arteries can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Living a healthy lifestyle might prevent the conditions that cause metabolic syndrome. A healthy lifestyle includes:

• Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
• Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean protein and whole grains.
• Limiting saturated fat, sugar and salt in the diet.
• Being at a healthy weight.
• Not smoking.

Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is based on medical history, family medical history, a physical exam, and blood pressure and blood tests.

The National Institutes of Health defines metabolic syndrome as having three or more of the following conditions or being on medicine to manage these conditions:

• Large waist. This means a waistline that measures at least 35 inches (89 centimeters) for women and 40 inches (102 centimeters) for men.
• High triglyceride level. For this type of fat found in blood, this means 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), or higher.
• Low "good" or HDL cholesterol. This means levels of less than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) in men or less than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called HDL cholesterol.
• High blood pressure. This means 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher.
• High fasting blood sugar. This means100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or higher.

Lifestyle changes that involve diet and exercise often are the first treatment for metabolic syndrome. If lifestyle changes aren't enough, medicines may help you manage blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

You're likely to start by seeing your primary healthcare professional. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in diabetes and other endocrine disorders, called an endocrinologist. Or you may be referred to a cardiologist, who specializes in heart disease.

What you can do

When you make an appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting for a test. Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment, and when they began.
• Key personal information, including other medical conditions you have and family medical history.
• All medicines, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses.
• Questions to ask your healthcare team.

Take a family member or friend to the appointment, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For metabolic syndrome, some questions to ask your healthcare team include:

• What conditions are causing metabolic syndrome for me?
• How can I reduce the risk of other health conditions caused by metabolic syndrome?
• Will losing weight help my condition? What about exercise?
• Do I need any other tests?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Ask any other questions you have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional might ask questions about your diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits.