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Redefining metabolic syndrome |
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BRUSSELS—In a recent issue of The Lancet, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) launched a new definition to identify children and adolescents at risk for metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The definition incorporates waist measurement (as a percentile rather than an absolute value) and the presence of two or more clinical features, such as elevated triglycerides, low HDL, high blood pressure, or increased plasma glucose.
“Early detection followed by treatment—particularly lifestyle intervention—is vital to halt the progression of the metabolic syndrome and safeguard the future health of children and adolescents,” says Dr. Sir George Alberti, IDF past-president and co-author. “We call on governments to create environments that allow for lifestyle changes. This will require a coordinated approach across all sectors, including health, education, sports, and agriculture, but is the only way we can curb the burden of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
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