The metabolic syndrome poses a serious risk to health. Compared with persons who do not have the metabolic syndrome, those who are affected have a twofold risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and at least a fourfold risk for type 2 diabetes.1 Because it affects more than 1 in 5 US adults,2,3 and because its prevalence is expected to increase as overweight and obesity become more widespread, most medical practitioners can expect to encounter the syndrome frequently.4,5 Physicians can help reduce the incidence of CVD and diabetes by recognizing the features of the metabolic syndrome and by implementing clinical interventions aimed at managing the associated risk factors.For more details go to www.lipidhealth.org.
About the Author

I write articles for www.lipidhealth.org, offering continuing medical education (CME) online to healthcare professionals.