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metabolic syndrome,” Dr Rouf said. “Without treatment, this can lead to the chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, so it’s best to intervene at the earliest stage.” Removing the guesswork With metabolic syndrome, one of the first challenges is for people to realise they have the condition. With only one of the five risk factors visible from the outside and three of the remaining four invisible, there’s little to suggest there’s a problem. When there’s nothing troubling people, the last place they’ll visit is a doctor’s surgery. “These days, a lot of people rely on ‘Dr Google’, so often they don’t realise the severity of the things they’re experiencing,” Dr Rouf said. “As metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, most of which are invisible, people generally don’t realise what’s going on. Cholesterol is a good example, as people don’t notice anything until they’ve had a blood test. “A lot of times people think metabolic syndrome is only about being overweight or obese, and for someone with excess fat around the stomach, this is often the only risk factor visible from the outside. “However, when someone has high triglyceride levels in their blood, or low levels of LDL, there’s no way to tell from the outside, and often nothing to even suggest there’s a problem. You can be really slim, leading to a misconception that you’re healthy, but that’s not always the case either. “As metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, most of which are invisible, people generally don’t realise what’s going on.” “The reality is, apart from carrying excess weight around the stomach, few symptoms of metabolic syndrome are visible from the outside. With high blood pressure, some people can experience headaches, but many people get accustomed to the condition and it becomes their new normal. “It’s the same with having a high blood METABOLIC SYNDROME 45 sugar level at the pre-diabetes stage. Some people might feel they need to eat, or feel the lows when their blood sugar levels drop, but a lot of people might not even know. “The point is, it’s really hard to tell, which is why I recommend people go to get their blood tested. “It’s the only sure way to find out what’s happening on the inside, and I believe people need to get a blood test at least every 12 months.” Changing heartfelt habits Metabolic syndrome can affect anyone, including adolescents, people of middle age, and those in the later stages of life. Ongoing research shows the condition may be partly genetic, with other factors also said to increase risk, including: • • • • • A diet high in kilojoules and saturated fat. Lack of exercise and physical activity. Increasing age. Family history of diabetes. Being of Asian descent. With so many causes and such a broad range of patients, each TO PAGE 46 Minoxidil 5% w/v topical solution 3 and 6 months value packs • For the treatment of hereditary hair loss • Stimulates hair regrowth over time • Continued use is required to improve and maintain hair regrowth • Exclusive to community pharmacies • Competitive trade margin • Supported by trade and consumer advertising • Australian owned and made Launch Promotion Available Now Contact your Arrotex OTC Sales Representative directly or call 1300 927 769 to find out more Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd. 15-17 Chapel Street Cremorne Victoria 3121. Ph 1300 927 769. ABN 33 605 909 911. Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. www.arrowpharma.com.au. Date Prepared March 2021. RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • APR 2021