During the meeting, Dr. Giuseppe Ventriglia - national manager of the training area of the Italian Society of General Medicine and Primary Care (Simg) and lecturer at the Clinical Pharmacy Master in Milan, Cagliari and Granada - and the team of the Aboca Scientific Communication.
metabolic is a serious and widespread problem - but unfortunately not often talked about - which is characterized by the presence of various alterations of various metabolic parameters that expose the individual who suffers from it to numerous risks for their health. More in detail , the metabolic syndrome is characterized by the presence of at least three of the following parameters:
- High waist circumference (generally ≥ 94 cm in males and ≥ 80 cm in females) attributable to an excess of visceral abdominal fat;
- Hypertension or in any case high blood pressure, even within ranges considered medium-high (≥ 130/85 mmHg or in medical therapy);
- Altered fasting blood sugar (> 100 mg / dl or overt diabetes);
- Alterations of the lipid picture, in particular:
- Reduced HDL or "good" cholesterol (HDL <40mg / dl in males and <50 mg / dl in females);
- High triglycerides (≥ 150 mg / dL).
It should be noted that the metabolic syndrome does not develop suddenly, but represents the consequence of a progressive process which, starting from the alteration of a single metabolic parameter, then arrives at the simultaneous alteration of multiple parameters, consequently increasing the risk of develop cardiovascular pathologies, diabetes, fatty liver, etc.
Metabolic syndrome, therefore, is not a condition to be underestimated. In Italy, it is estimated that one in four people suffer from it and the problem is increasingly affecting children and adolescents as well.
and balanced associated with regular physical activity - naturally that adapts to the abilities of each individual - and the abandonment of any dangerous vices (smoking, excess alcohol, etc.).
On the other hand, if the aforementioned correct habits are taught from an early age, they can also prove to be an excellent preventive tool.
For those who already suffer from metabolic syndrome, however, adopting a healthy lifestyle and decreasing body weight represent the first important and fundamental steps to improve this condition. It is also necessary to intervene to manage cardiovascular risk factors ( for example, quitting smoking, etc.); in this sense it is very important that there is great awareness and will also on the part of the individual himself. As we have said, there are no specific drugs for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome, sometimes metformin can be used to control glycemic changes (it is an active ingredient used in the treatment of diabetes for which use in the context of the syndrome metabolic is to be considered off-label). Where necessary, the doctor may also prescribe drug therapies for the treatment of various altered metabolic parameters (for example, hypertriglyceridaemia, high blood pressure, etc.).
, are able to create a gel capable of sequestering both carbohydrates and lipids, thus making them less available for absorption and for the bacterial flora present in the enteric tract. All this would favor a better use of nutrients by the liver, would promote the reorganization of glycaemia, cholesterol, triglyceridemia and a decrease in abdominal circumference, the main parameters to be monitored in case of metabolic syndrome.
To confirm the effectiveness of this approach, seven clinical studies were conducted on over 500 patients - both adults and children - carried out in excellent hospitals. Some of these studies have also been published in scientific journals such as Nutrients and Italian Journal. of Pediatrics¹⁻²⁻³⁻⁴⁻⁵.
Going into more detail, among the aforementioned studies there are two conducted by the Auxo-endocrinology Department of the Meyer University Hospital of Florence. One of these - published in "Nutrients" - was conducted on obese children and demonstrated a reduction of LDL (-20%), of transaminases GPT (-29%) and GOT (-27%) and an increase of HDL (+ 16%). The "other study, however - published in" Italian Journal of Pediatrics " - was conducted on obese children with a family history of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome for a period of 12 months and showed a reduction in the insulin resistance index (-41%), a reduction in fasting glycaemia (- 7%) and glycated hemoglobin (-5%).
In the light of the encouraging results obtained, the products based on complex natural substances could therefore represent an aid in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome.
However, we remind you once again that the first big step to take is to improve your lifestyle, to adopt an adequate diet and regular physical activity and that in no case should the use of the above complex natural substances be considered. a substitute for these behavioral strategies. It is also recommended to consult a doctor and possibly specialists who can help and support the individual in his path against the metabolic syndrome.
