Are You at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Dubai? How to Check and Protect Your Health
Are you worried about weight, blood pressure or your cholesterol and wondering whether these are warning signs of something more serious? Metabolic syndrome is a common but often silent cluster of risk factors that increases the chance of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. In Dubai, where lifestyle changes and high rates of obesity and diabetes are apparent, understanding how to check for metabolic syndrome can help you take control of your health.
It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment.
How do you check for metabolic syndrome?
Checking for metabolic syndrome involves a combination of physical measurements and blood tests. Clinicians commonly use the harmonised criteria (often called the ATP III/IDF-based criteria): a diagnosis is made when a person has at least three of the following five features:
- Increased waist circumference (central obesity): commonly used thresholds are ≥94 cm (37 in) for men and ≥80 cm (31.5 in) for women for people of European and Middle Eastern origin. Ethnic-specific cut-offs exist for South Asians, East Asians and others — your clinician will advise which applies to you.
- Elevated triglycerides: ≥150 mg/dL (≥1.7 mmol/L) or on treatment for high triglycerides.
- Reduced HDL (“good”) cholesterol: <40 mg/dL (<1.03 mmol/L) in men and <50 mg/dL (<1.29 mmol/L) in women, or on treatment to raise HDL.
- Elevated blood pressure: systolic ≥130 mmHg or diastolic ≥85 mmHg, or on treatment for hypertension.
- Elevated fasting blood glucose: ≥100 mg/dL (≥5.6 mmol/L) or previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
To check for metabolic syndrome you will typically undergo:
- A clinical examination (waist measurement, height, weight, BMI, blood pressure).
- A fasting blood test: fasting glucose, full lipid profile (triglycerides, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol).
- Additional tests as needed: HbA1c if diabetes is suspected, liver enzymes if fatty liver disease is considered, and kidney function tests.
Because metabolic syndrome is defined by having several risk factors together, one abnormal result alone does not make the diagnosis. The presence of multiple abnormalities is key.
What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is not a single disease but a collection of metabolic abnormalities that commonly occur together. These abnormalities reflect underlying insulin resistance and excess visceral (abdominal) fat. People with metabolic syndrome are at higher risk of:
- Cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Risk factors include overweight or central obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, age, family history, and some medications. In the UAE and other Gulf countries, rapid urbanisation, dietary changes and reduced physical activity have contributed to rising rates of obesity and diabetes — making metabolic syndrome an important public health issue locally.
What are the symptoms of the metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is frequently asymptomatic, and many people have no obvious symptoms. That’s why screening is important if you have risk factors. Possible signs and clues can include:
- Increased waist size or “apple-shaped” body with fat around the abdomen
- Skin changes such as acanthosis nigricans (darkened velvety patches, often on the neck or armpits) — a sign of insulin resistance
- Symptoms related to diabetes if blood sugar is already high: increased thirst, increased urination, unexplained tiredness
- Often no obvious symptoms from high blood pressure or high cholesterol until complications occur
Because symptoms can be minimal or non-specific, regular health checks are recommended for adults with risk factors (overweight, family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, age over 40, or of certain ethnic groups at higher risk).
How to test for metabolic disorder?
Testing for metabolic disorders and metabolic syndrome typically includes a combination of laboratory and clinical assessments:
- Fasting blood glucose and/or HbA1c — to screen for prediabetes or diabetes.
- Full lipid profile — triglycerides, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol.
- Liver function tests — because fatty liver commonly coexists with metabolic syndrome.
- Kidney function tests and urinalysis — as diabetes and hypertension affect the kidneys.
- Blood pressure measurement — ideally taken on more than one occasion or using ambulatory/home monitoring for confirmation.
- Anthropometric measures — waist circumference, BMI, weight and height.
Additional or specialised tests (ordered by your physician) can include an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting insulin levels or HOMA-IR (an insulin resistance estimate) and imaging (e.g., ultrasound) if NAFLD is suspected.
Lifestyle assessment is also an essential part of evaluation: diet, physical activity, smoking, sleep and stress levels all affect metabolic health.
It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment.
When to Visit a Doctor at Zaincura
Visit a doctor at Zaincura if any of the following apply:
- You have a large waist size or rapid weight gain around the abdomen.
- You have been told you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar.
- You have a family history of type 2 diabetes, heart disease or stroke.
- You experience symptoms such as persistent fatigue, increased thirst or urination, or notice skin changes like acanthosis nigricans.
- You are aged over 40 or have multiple lifestyle risk factors (physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, smoking).
Our clinicians at Zaincura can perform the appropriate measurements and blood tests, explain the results in plain language, and work with you on a tailored plan — including lifestyle changes, monitoring and medical treatment where needed. If you are in Dubai and concerned about your risk, book an appointment for screening and a personalised assessment. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment.
Conclusion
Metabolic syndrome is a common and often silent set of risk factors that significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The good news is that it is measurable and, in many cases, modifiable with lifestyle changes and appropriate medical care. Regular screening using waist measurements, blood pressure checks and blood tests (fasting glucose and lipid profile) is the key to early detection. If you have risk factors or persistent concerns, consult a healthcare professional for testing and personalised advice.
It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Cardiovascular diseases and metabolic risk factors: https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Metabolic Syndrome: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/metabolic-syndrome.html
- Mayo Clinic: Metabolic Syndrome: Symptoms and Causes: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metabolic-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351916
- National Health Service (NHS UK): Metabolic syndrome (syndrome X): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/metabolic-syndrome/
- Cleveland Clinic: Metabolic Syndrome: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21734-metabolic-syndrome
- International Diabetes Federation (IDF): Waist circumference and metabolic syndrome guidance: https://idf.org/
- Alberti KGMM, Eckel RH, Grundy SM, et al. Harmonizing the metabolic syndrome. Circulation. 2009;120(16):1640–1645. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19805654/
Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical consultation. For diagnosis and personalised care, consult a healthcare professional.