Hi Everyone,

Today I want to talk to you about a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Diabetes has increased by over 300% in the past 20 years. There is a condition that is part of the spectrum of diabetes but does not meet the criteria for diabetes. This condition is called Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome is a serious and life threatening medical condition that affects over 60 million American adults. It places the individual at risk for coronary artery disease, hypertension and diabetes.

As part of my medical weight loss program, one of the blood tests that I routinely check is a fasting insulin level. If you do not know your fasting insulin level, you should ask to have it drawn. This is very important information. 9 times out of 10, this blood test is abnormal in patients that are obese or seriously overweight. However, their fasting blood glucose is oftentimes normal. How is this possible?

Diabetes does not start with a low amount of insulin. In Type 2 Diabetics it starts with a high amount of insulin in response to a high dietary consumption of carbohydrates. Eventually, the pancreas is not able to produce any more insulin and the diabetic must then go on insulin to maintain their blood sugar. However, Type 1 Diabetes, approximately 10% of Diabetics, must go on insulin because their bodies have never been able to produce an adequate amount of insulin.

Metabolic Syndrome is associated with the following findings:

• Central Obesity

• Low levels of HDL Cholesterol (the good cholesterol)

• Elevated fasting triglycerides

• Elevated blood pressure: > 130/85 mmHg

• Insulin Resistance

It is estimated that over 60 Million adults have this condition. The bottom line is that we are genetically hunters and gatherers and we are not designed to handle the amount of gratuitous carbohydrates that we consume. The end result is an ever increasing amount of insulin resistance in our bodies and ultimately diabetes type 2.

This can be prevented, truly prevented, by following some basic guidelines. The most important is to limit the amount of simple sugars in your diet, including high Glycemic carbohydrates and ready to eat products.

If you have information and you would like to share with thousands, send it my way through the website. We have a forum that is designed for the betterment of my community and my patients, wherever you are. Please visit and register at www.DrHaendiges.com/forum if you wish to discuss these topics more in depth. You can email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I will personally get your email. I read them all and try to respond to as many as possible. You will see your questions and inputs in future editions of the Daily Dose. If you haven't done so already, join my fanpage on Facebook and follow me on Twitter

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Truly yours in Health,

Dr. Michelle Haendiges