Glucose basics
What is metabolic health, and why does it matter?
By Dr. David M. Kayne
Nov. 4, 2024 • 3 min read
The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
Metabolic health is a term that's gained a lot of attention lately, and it's all about how well your body’s various metabolic processes are working. In simple terms, it’s about keeping things like blood sugar, cholesterol (both the good and bad kinds), triglycerides, blood pressure, and body weight in a healthy range.
Why metabolic health is important for your wellness
Well, metabolic health plays a big role in predicting a person’s risk for heart disease. And since cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is one of the leading causes of death for both men and women over 50, it’s key that any metabolic issues are identified and addressed early on to help safeguard long-term wellness.
For example, if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there are clear guidelines for improving your metabolic health. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends keeping HbA1c (also known as A1C) levels at or below 7%, while the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) suggests aiming for 6.5% or lower. With tools like a Stelo Glucose Biosensor, you can track your time in range (TIR), which should ideally be 70% or higher, and keep time above range (TAR) under 25%.
Similarly, when it comes to cholesterol and other lipid markers, things like high LDL (bad cholesterol), low HDL (good cholesterol), elevated triglycerides, and markers like ApoB and Lp(a) need to be managed. Treatment plans can be customized to get these numbers in a healthy range, especially if other conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure are also in the mix.
Speaking of blood pressure, the goals are fairly consistent when it comes to optimizing metabolic health and treating hypertension. For most adults, a systolic blood pressure (SBP) below 130 and a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) under 80 is ideal. If you're 65 or older, that target shifts slightly to an SBP under 140, with the same DBP target of less than 80.
And then there's obesity. Right now, a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is considered obese, while a BMI of 25 or more is classified as overweight. Obesity can increase the risk for other metabolic issues like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. But the good news is that losing weight—through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication—can make a huge difference in improving overall metabolic health.
Summing up
Metabolic health is a critical component of overall well-being and is a significant indicator of risk associated with cardiovascular diseases and other serious health conditions. Understanding and optimizing key factors like blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and body weight can help you take proactive steps toward better health.
The production of this article was sponsored by Stelo by Dexcom.
References:
Metabolic Health and Cardiometabolic Risk Clusters: Implications for Prediction, Prevention, and Treatment
Stefan N, Schulze MB.
The Lancet. Diabetes and Endocrinology. 2023;11(6):426-440.dol:10.1016/S2213-858 (23)00086-4
Stefan N, Schulze MB.
The Lancet. Diabetes and Endocrinology. 2023;11(6):426-440.dol:10.1016/S2213-858 (23)00086-4
Definitions of Metabolic Health and Risk of Future Type 2 Diabetes in BMI Categories: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Lotta LA, Abbasi A, Sharp SJ, et al.
Diabetes Care. 2015;38(11):2177-87.doi:10.2337/dc15-1218
Lotta LA, Abbasi A, Sharp SJ, et al.
Diabetes Care. 2015;38(11):2177-87.doi:10.2337/dc15-1218
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee
Diabetes Care 2024;47(Supplement_1):S111-S125/doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S006
Diabetes Care 2024;47(Supplement_1):S111-S125/doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S006
Author profile
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Dr. David M. Kayne
David M. Kayne, MD, FACP, CDCES, former President of Medical Group of Encino, is presently a partner in Cedars Sinai Medical Group.