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Syndrome X Part 2: Who is at risk? How is it diagnosed?Who is at risk?Risk for Syndrome X is determined by genetic predisposition and lifestyle habits. Certain ethnic backgrounds, the hunter-and-gatherer types, have a higher genetic predisposition for this syndrome, including Indians (especially American Indians & Pima Indians), African Americans, Hispanics, South Pacific Islanders and Asians. Europeans had no need to develop this thrifty gene to over secrete insulin. They typically did not experience famines because they farmed and stored their food as needed.
The obesity epidemic and symptoms of Syndrome X are occurring younger and younger even though the gene pool has not changed. However, our lifestyles have changed. We eat more processed foods and convenient foods. We eat a lot of damaged fats like partially hydrogenated oils and fried foods and not enough of the healthy fats from nuts and seeds. Our livestock are now corn and grain fed, (instead of grass), which causes us to rely on fish for healthy Omega 3 fatty acids. We exercise less and are constantly eating on the go. Sugar, fat, and salt have become the basic food groups and we snack on them continuously throughout the day keeping our insulin levels high, storing fat, and preventing the use of fat for fuel. Diagnostic Criteria
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