Diabetes

• According to the Mayo Clinic, if there is a family history of type 2 diabetes or if you've had gestational diabetes, you can develop metabolic syndrome. When you develop diabetes, your body is unable to produce or convert insulin. Insulin is a type of hormone created by your pancreas. With diabetes, your pancreas can't create a sufficient amount of insulin. As a result, blood sugar will pool up in your blood, which can then create a host of problems.
  
  

Weight

• According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have a BMI, or body mass index, that is greater than 25 percent of your body weight, you will increase your chances of developing metabolic syndrome. Being overweight or even obese can contribute to more severe health risks. If you have a larger distribution of weight within your abdominal area than anywhere else on the body, such as your hips, you have a greater chance of developing heart disease.
  
  

High Blood Pressure

• When your blood pressure is measured, two numbers are recorded. The top number is your systolic pressure, which measures your bloodstream as your heart beats. The bottom number is known as the diastolic pressure, which measures your bloodstream between your heartbeats as your heart relaxes. If your blood pressure is higher than normal (more than 120 over 80), it is considered high blood pressure.
  
  

Other Causes

• According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, genetics (family history or ethnicity) and age are contributing factors to developing metabolic syndrome. Nearly 50 percent of people who are in their 60s will develop metabolic syndrome. Asians and Hispanics are also more likely than others to develop metabolic syndrome. Other medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (where cysts grow on the ovaries) or sleep apnea, can also be contributing factors.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Though you may have one or more factors of metabolic syndrome, simple lifestyle changes can help reduce your chances of developing serious diseases, such as heart disease or stroke. Regular exercise and eating healthy are the biggest changes you can make. Avoid processed foods and foods with high contents of sugar. Excluding high amounts of table salt can help reduce high blood pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you can lose up to 10 percent of your body weight, you can reduce your chances of developing diabetes. If you do have high cholesterol or diabetes, keep doctor appointments to ensure that your condition doesn't develop into a serious complication.