What is metabolic syndrome and how is it diagnosed?
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of five cardiometabolic markers — central adiposity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose. Diagnosis typically requires three of the five. It is an insulin-resistance-driven state that materially raises cardiovascular and type-2 diabetes risk and is reversible with provider-reviewed metabolic optimization.
Full answer
Metabolic syndrome is not a single disease — it is a clustering of five cardiometabolic markers that, when co-present, materially raise cardiovascular and type-2 diabetes risk. The canonical criteria require three of the following: waist circumference above population-specific thresholds (central adiposity), fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol below sex-specific thresholds (men <40, women <50), blood pressure ≥130/85, and fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL. The underlying driver in most cases is insulin resistance, which is why fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, A1C, ApoB, and hs-CRP are read alongside the canonical five in a complete metabolic workup. Metabolic syndrome is reversible — through training, nutrition, sleep, and where indicated, provider-reviewed pharmacologic support (GLP-1 therapy, metabolic add-ons, and hormone optimization in candidates where low testosterone is a contributor).
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- Biomarkers reference — Primary source · oMeds
- Metabolic intelligence — Reference · oMeds Learn
- Biomarkers explained — Reference · oMeds Learn
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29