Metabolic Disease and PD
- Stephanie Soto
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of abnormalities like high blood sugar, high abdominal fat, and high cholesterol. According to a new study, those with metabolic diseases have a higher risk of PD. Let's talk about what they found.
Those with a metabolic syndromes showed a 39% increase risk in Parkinson's. Those with metabolic syndromes and genetic risk factors doubled their risk. That means if you show inherited genetic mutations and are diagnosed with diabetes or high cholesterol, your risk of being diagnosed with PD is higher. The author of the study said in a press release that the "findings suggest that metabolic syndrome may be a modifiable risk factor for Parkinson’s disease,” and that “maintaining metabolic health may be especially important for people who have genes that increase their risk for Parkinson’s disease.”
There is no question, metabolic syndrome “is a well-established risk factor of a diverse spectrum of chronic diseases … and is also highly modifiable, making it an ideal target for preventive strategies.”
People with metabolic syndromes tend to be older, male, while, higher socioeconomic status, and lower physical activity. The study also suggests that abdominal obesity and low HDL (good cholesterol) showed a higher risk of PD.
Lower your risk of metabolic disease
Eat a healthy diet. Avoid sugar and processed foods to lower blood sugar and cholesterol.
Take care of your stress. Those who have high stress show higher levels of inflammation, increasing risk of metabolic disease.
Exercise! 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise and 2 days of resistance training a week is key.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol will increase your blood sugar and cholesterol.
Avoid smoking. Smoking is linked to diabetes and high cholesterol.
Get your physical each year. This allows your doctor to keep an eye on your blood tests.
Take your medication. If you do have metabolic diseases and are not consistent with your medication, you will influence the health of the rest of your body systems.
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