Metabolic Dysfunction

FAQ

What is metabolic dysfunction?

Metabolic dysfunction is the name for a cluster of conditions that can make you more susceptible to serious health problems, such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

With metabolic dysfunction, you may experience:

High blood pressure
High blood sugar
Excess fat around your waist
Abnormal cholesterol levels
Abnormal triglyceride levels (fat in your blood)

However, having one of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have metabolic dysfunction. Instead, you should visit the House of Healing for a proper evaluation.

What conditions are tied to metabolic dysfunction?

Metabolic dysfunction is linked to several health issues, including insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone your pancreas makes. Insulin resistance occurs when your body fails to respond to insulin properly. As a result, your blood sugar levels climb higher than is healthy.

Insulin resistance is generally due to being significantly overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and eating a diet high in carbohydrates.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects women, also is linked to metabolic dysfunction. Although the precise cause of PCOS is unknown, it appears to occur with an overabundance of male hormones (androgens) and insulin in your body.

PCOS causes health problems. Women with PCOS tend to be overweight. They’re also more likely to have type 2 diabetes and experience infertility.

How do I find out whether I have metabolic dysfunction?

At House of Healing, Dr. Sidhu performs a physical exam, recommends blood tests, and listens as you describe your symptoms.

Generally, you have metabolic dysfunction if you meet at least three of the following criteria:

High blood pressure
High blood sugar
High triglyceride level (fat in your blood)
High cholesterol

A final factor is whether you’re overweight or obese and carry the extra weight around your middle.

How does functional medicine address metabolic dysfunction?

Dr. Sidhu takes an integrative approach to your health issues that emphasizes foundational lifestyle factors that affect your health. These factors include:

Sleep
Exercise
Nutrition
Stress levels
Relationships
Genetics

She recommends a whole-person treatment plan to address the root cause of metabolic dysfunction — not simply mask the symptoms. Her goal is not only to address your condition but to give you the tools essential for lasting health.

If you think you’re experiencing signs of metabolic dysfunction, call House of Healing or schedule your consultation with Dr. Sidhu online.

House of Healing