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Metabolic syndrome shown to increase risk of kidney problems

Category: Kidney Diseases

Individuals who suffer from metabolic syndrome may benefit from talking to their doctor about kidney testing, as new research shows that the condition significantly increases the risk of renal complications.

Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions that include unhealthy cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and excess abdominal fat. It is known to increase a person's chances of developing heart disease and diabetes, but the new study is among the first to connect it to kidney risk.

For the study, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic analyzed the findings of 11 previously published studies involving more than 30,000 participants. The results showed that individuals with metabolic syndrome were 55 percent more likely to develop kidney problems. Low kidney function, which is an early sign of kidney disease, a condition that often leads to organ failure, was the most common problem.

The researchers said that primary care physicians should be aware of these findings and recommend kidney testing to their patients when appropriate. Counseling individuals with the condition on their risk of developing renal diseases could enable them to make lifestyle changes before severe harm is done to the organ.