The gathered data will prove essential in formulating policies and recommendations for authorities to outline programs in reducing the incidence and subsequent complications of the said disorder.
"Hopefully, this will be one of the first and lasting endeavors in our efforts in upgrading the lives of the Filipino," according to PLS president Dr. Mary Ann Lim-Abraham.
Present during the formal signing of the Memorandum of Agreement at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas were Mr. Paul Basson, general manager of the pharmaceutical firm; PLS president Dr. Lim-Abraham, vice-president Dr. Esperanza Cabral, Dr. Felix Eduardo Punzalan and Dr. Rody Sy.
Obesity, hypertension, abnormal triglycerides, glucose intolerance and Type 2 diabetes may lead to permanent metabolic damage. This cluster of cardiovascular risk factors place them at extremely increased risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and consequently reduced survival.
"This syndrome is commonly seen in patients with Type 2 diabetes and as diabetes has been found to be increasing rapidly in this region, the rate of metabolic syndrome is believed to be high here as well. That is why our group decided to look at the young people. The cross-sectional survey will be conducted in three Metro Manila universities and two schools in the provinces," said Dr. Rody Sy, former president of the PLS. "Developing preventive measures can have a great impact in reducing its prevalence."
Through a study, Dr. Sy added, the prevalence of obesity in Asia is also on the rise as the population remains unaware about proper choice of meals and the need for physical activity. With such unhealthy lifestyles, cardiovascular disease is lurking not too far behind.
The International Atherosclerotic Society Harmonized Guideline of 2003 presents five parameters for metabolic syndrome: Increased waist circumference, elevated triglyceride, reduced HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and fasting glucose. Individuals with any three of the five symptoms are considered to have the syndrome.
The common denominator of these warning signs is insulin resistance. In what is also referred to as the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, the bodily tissues suffer from reduced sensitivity to the action of the insulin. The human body needs the glucose it brings to the tissues for energy. The body overcomes this inaction by secreting more insulin from the pancreas.
When the pancreas begins to have problems in secreting insulin, Type 2 diabetes starts to occur. Abnormalities in blood lipids also occur when there is a high insulin level resulting from resistance. The complications of these events are, perhaps, the most significant. It places individuals at a very high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
"Lifestyle measures at a very minimal cost may prove to be the intervention that people need to prevent this," according to Dr. Sy. "Hopefully, the results of this study will be out in three to four months."
