How is metabolic syndrome X diagnosed?

Metabolic syndrome X can be diagnosed by measuring the size of your abdomen and testing for certain conditions that affect the metabolism. If you have more than one condition that affects your metabolism and a waist measurement of more than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women, you may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome X.

If you have a fasting blood sugar that is more than 100 mg/dL, or if you are on medication for insulin resistance, these could be factors in diagnosing metabolic syndrome X. If your triglycerides ("bad" cholesterol), tests higher than 150 mg, or your HDL ("good" cholesterol) is lower than 50 mg for women or 40 mg for men than you may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome X.

Also, if your blood pressure is greater than 130/80, this is another factor considered when diagnosing metabolic syndrome X. When tests show that you have more than two of these conditions or you are being treated for more than two of these conditions a doctor will typically diagnose you with metabolic syndrome X.