Metabolic Syndrome Prediction Challenges.

Obesity is typically associated with metabolic syndrome and development of diabetes.  That being said, we all know several people with lower weight and type 2 diabetes.  This study set out to find predictive lab tests for metabolic syndrome.  We have talked about the fact that lower levels of testosterone clearly plays a role.  In this study they not only looked at the actual T level but also took into account clinical signs and symptoms.  It appears that low levels of sex hormone binding globulin(SHBG) is also predictive.  In fact, in patients with “normal” testosterone levels but low SHBG and signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency were shown to have a predilection for the development of metabolic syndrome despite their lower starting weight.

 Kupelian V, et.al. 2006. JCEM. Low sex hormone-binding globulin, total testosterone, and symptomatic testosterone deficiency are associated with development of the metabolic syndrome in nonobese men. Mar;91(3):843-50.

So, here’s another example of why doctors need to pay attention to what their patient’s are feeling, the symptoms they are having and expand lab testing to include what evidence based medicine shows. It’s not fair to say, “well, your labs are normal, this is just part of getting older.”  Well, at least that’s how we see it.

Jason & Rita