- L Lombard: Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa.
The metabolic syndrome is a highly prevalent clinical entity, which is often overlooked and may have far-reaching health implications for the patient. Up to 80% of patients with the metabolic syndrome die as a result of cardiovascular complications. Insulin resistance is the central component of this complex syndrome and should be appropriately addressed to ensure the best possible outcome for our patients. Recent advances in the pathogenesis and management of this syndrome is discussed in this article.