Metabolic syndrome: A review of emerging markers and management

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities and related clinical syndromes most important of which are coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance along with visceral adiposity, dyslipidemia and chronic subclinical proinflammatory state are the main characteristic features of metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance is not a disease, but a description of a physiologic state, and approximately one third of an apparently healthy population is sufficiently insulin resistant to be at increased risk. Our understanding of metabolic syndrome has improved tremendously over the years, but certain aspects of its pathogenesis still remain elusive to the scientific world. Further research and application of the knowledge can help in better management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, direct fallout of metabolic syndrome. In-depth knowledge of the markers of metabolic syndrome will help in better understanding of the condition. (C) 2009 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.