[Metabolic syndrome--bridge to type II diabetes]

The metabolic syndrome (syndrome X) is characterized by elevated insulin levels, obesity of the android type, disturbed lipid metabolism with increased triglycerides (VLDL elevated, HDL decreased) and an association with hypertension. The cause of this syndrome appears to be an insulin resistance of the skeletal muscle. The molecular mechanism leading to skeletal muscle insulin resistance is not understood, however an abnormality of signal transduction from the insulin receptor to glycogen synthase is suggested. It is believed that this syndrome represents a potentially prediabetic situation. Furthermore it is believed that this syndrome gives rise to cardiovascular complications in certain predisposed populations.