Metabolic Syndrome at the Crossroads of Internal and Preventive Medicine: Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Criteria, and Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies
Keywords:
metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular prevention, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, lifestyle intervention, GLP-1 receptor agonists, cardiometabolic riskAbstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors—abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and impaired fasting glucose—that collectively predispose individuals to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objective: This review synthesizes contemporary evidence on MetS epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic classification, and management strategies, with emphasis on the intersection of internal medicine and preventive medicine. Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2018 and 2025 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: Global MetS prevalence doubled from approximately 12% in 2000 to 31% among women and 26% among men in 2023, affecting an estimated 1.54 billion adults. Lifestyle interventions remain the cornerstone of management, achieving up to 58% reduction in T2DM incidence, while pharmacological agents—particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists—demonstrate significant cardiometabolic benefits. Conclusion: Integrated preventive and clinical strategies are urgently needed to curb the rising burden of MetS and its downstream consequences.
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