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Metabolic syndrome refers to a set of disease risk factors that appear to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It is also known as insulin resistance syndrome. The syndrome is not a specific condition, but it groups together a set of risk factors that have been linked to a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Diagnosis initially aims to identify those people who could be at risk of metabolic syndrome, but who may benefit from lifestyle modifications rather than drug treatments. High blood glucose levels, high blood pressure, and lipid and cholesterol abnormalities can often be targeted early with lifestyle measures. However, some people may already be using medication for some aspect of metabolic syndrome, such as high blood pressure, when they receive their diagnosis. Losing weight, especially in the upper body can be an effective treatment. Not all medical guidelines agree on the exact thresholds to use for a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Controversy remains, for instance, about the best way to measure and define obesity. Options include body mass index (BMI), height-waist ratio, or other means. A person may also have high blood pressure or high blood glucose, for example, that is not related to obesity. The above criteria were created in an attempt to harmonize diagnoses. However, doctors will also consider an individual’s circumstances.
(Credits: www.medicalnewstoday.com)

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), in 2018, more than 48,000 people in the United States died by suicide, and there were an estimated 1.4 million suicide attempts. The AFSP also note that men were 3.56 times more likely to die by suicide than women that year. Suicide is preventable. With treatment and lifestyle changes, people can begin to feel better. They can learn to manage their symptoms and find joy in life again. Individuals who are at immediate risk of suicide or serious self-harm should seek help urgently by calling 911 or their local emergency number. There are many possible causes of suicide. Often, a combination of factors plays a role in the onset of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Typically, people who think about or attempt suicide do so because they feel as though they can no longer cope with life. They may feel hopeless, helpless, worthless, or lonely, and they might believe that suicide is their only option. One of the most significant risk factors for suicide is being male. Studies suggest that females tend to attempt suicide more often than males but that males die by suicide more frequently than females. Researchers have suggested that this may be because males tend to use more lethal methods, such as firearms. Research indicates that suicide also has associated genetic risk factors.
(Credits: www.medicalnewstoday.com)