Moving Beyond Metabolic Syndrome: Assessing Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Risk

Association of metabolic abnormalities including glucose intolerance, hypertension, central obesity and dyslipidemia comprise what is called “Metabolic Syndrome (MS)”. It is known that MS is a risk factor for both diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has also emerged as an important metabolic disease which is associated with both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. South Asian countries and particularly India have very high prevalence rates of MS and NAFLD. Moreover, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and premature coronary artery disease is very high. However, the link between MS, NAFLD and CVD are not very well defined. This chapter reviews in detail the association of MS with CVD and also NAFLD and CVD. It also discusses the controversies with MS and highlights current strategies involved in management of MS and NAFLD.

Keywords: Activity, behavior, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular risk, global health, hepatology, intervention, lifestyle, liver disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, overweight, south Asians, type 2 diabetes, wellness.