Empowering men's health: The essential guide to managing metabolic syndrome
November 11, 2024
What if men had the tools to live longer, healthier lives? Men’s health issues often come to the forefront during November, spotlighting concerns like prostate cancer and mental health. But there’s a year-round need to address conditions like metabolic syndrome (MetS), which can greatly influence men’s quality of life and vitality.
By 2040, Malaysia’s demographic will include an almost equal share of young (18.6%) and older populations (14.5%), with the elderly population surpassing six million—a key milestone in the country’s transition to an ageing nation. As this demographic shift unfolds, managing MetS in men will be crucial to promoting healthy ageing and supporting men’s resilience throughout life’s stages. Understanding metabolic syndrome (MetS) MetS is characterized by at least three of the following five risk factors: central obesity, high serum triglycerides (having too much fats in your blood), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) or when a person does not have enough "good cholesterol" in their blood, raised blood pressure and raised fasting blood sugar levels. MetS affects both men and women. Studies showed that the overall prevalence of MetS among adults in Malaysia lies between 25-40%. Risk factors most closely tied to MetS include age – you are more likely to have it the older you are. Personal or family history of diabetes where women who have had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or people who have a family member with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for MetS. Other risk factors include unhealthy eating habits, smoking, history of heavy drinking, stress, being past menopause, high-fat diet and sedentary lifestyle. Having MetS can increase one’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and can cause heart and blood vessel disease – eventually leading to heart attack or stroke. Urinary problems MetS is also linked to several urological conditions including kidney stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and prostate cancer. There has been increasing evidence that men with MetS are at an increased risk of experiencing moderate to severe urinary symptoms as they age. Lower urinary tract symptoms or collectively referred to as LUTS are frequently caused by BPH. The symptoms include delay in initiating voiding (hesitancy), poor urinary flow, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary urgency or frequent urination and disturbed sleep due to avoiding (nocturia). Patients with these symptoms are urged to seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially those with an elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level. If left untreated, BPH can be associated with complications such as urinary tract infection, blood in the urine, acute urinary obstruction, urinary incontinence, renal impairment and bed wetting. BPH may also cause obstruction to the kidney leading to kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) and in severe cases, it may result in kidney failure. This condition is often referred to as chronic obstruction and men will experience hypertension, bilateral leg swelling and often complain of bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis). 80% of men with BPH can be successfully treated with medication. However, these medications need to be taken long term. Men with complications from BPH may require surgery such as TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate), or minimally invasive treatments such as REZUM (Water Vapour Therapy of Prostate). Impact on kidney health MetS can result in significant changes to renal structure and function. These changes include decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) which is a calculation to measure how well a person’s kidneys are working in filtering out waste and extra fluid from their blood and increased urinary microalbumin which indicates protein leakage from the kidneys. Such alterations in kidney function can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), which may progress to severe health issues, including end-stage renal disease that requires dialysis or kidney transplantation. Early symptoms and signs of kidney problems associated with MetS can include leg swelling, frothy urine, and abnormality results in blood and urine tests. To prevent the progression of CKD, he highlighted the importance of regular health screenings, as early detection is vital for avoiding further complications related to MetS. Additionally, both consultants encourage lifestyle changes such as regular exercise to combat insulin resistance and adopting a heart-healthy diet by avoiding excessive amounts of carbohydrates that stimulate excess insulin production. These proactive measures can significantly improve overall health and reduce the risk of developing kidney-related issues. Prevention is better than cure As Malaysia transitions into an ageing nation, understanding and addressing men’s health, particularly in the context of MetS, becomes increasingly important. With a significant portion of the population facing the challenges associated with MetS, including the risk of urinary and chronic kidney problems, proactive health management is crucial to adopt now. By fostering awareness and encouraging health screenings, men can take charge of their health, facilitating early detection and intervention that can greatly improve health outcomes. This will not only enhance the quality of life for individuals but will also contribute to the overall well-being of Malaysia’s ageing population. |
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