People with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease than non diabetics.
People who have a cluster of metabolic disorders, characterized as the metabolic syndrome, are also at greater risk for heart disease.
The underlying condition-insulin resistances present in both conditions but in varying degrees of severity.
This chapter provides an overview of the characteristics of these metabolic disorders as well as advice on restoring insulin sensitivity and reducing the associated risks for heart disease and death.
Metabolic Disorders Metabolic disorders occur when a specific enzyme or cofactor is absent or is present in insufficient quantities that result in the body's inability' to receive particular nutrients.
In other words, the body is unable to metabolize foods into nutrients for fuel or to build tissue.
For people who have problems producing insulin, which is the key to the uptake of blood glucose (blood sugar), the body is unable to use the glucose that is circulating in the bloodstream for fuel.
As a result, blood sugar levels become elevated.
If blood glucose levels are elevated because insulin is not available or insulin resistance is severe, the person is diagnosed with diabetes, which is a metabolic disorder.
If, on the other hand, blood glucose levels are elevated because insulin sensitivity is impaired, and this impairment is present with other specific conditions, the person is considered to have a metabolic disorder, described as the "metabolic syndrome.
" Both of these conditions increase the risk of heart disease.
Many people with diabetes, including children and adults, also have lipid disorders, and many also have hypertension.
Both of these conditions increase the risk of heart disease.
Therefore, people with diabetes not only need to manage their blood sugar, but it is also important for them to manage their blood pressure and cholesterol carefully.