Which combination best represents the metabolic syndrome criteria described in the diabetes history material?

Which combination best represents the metabolic syndrome criteria described in the diabetes history material?

• A. Increased body mass index but normal lipids
• B. Elevated HDL and low triglycerides
• C. Abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL, hypertension
• D. Only elevated fasting glucose

Answer: (C)

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when at least three of five risk factors are present: abdominal (central) obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose. The combination described includes abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL, and hypertension, which meets at least three criteria and thus represents metabolic syndrome. Remember that central obesity is the key metric, not just total body mass, because fat distribution around the abdomen drives metabolic risk. The other choices don’t fit because they either miss multiple criteria (only elevated fasting glucose), show lipid values that are actually protective (high HDL and low triglycerides), or rely on BMI with normal lipids, which does not satisfy the lipid and blood pressure components.

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when at least three of five risk factors are present: abdominal (central) obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose. The combination described includes abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL, and hypertension, which meets at least three criteria and thus represents metabolic syndrome. Remember that central obesity is the key metric, not just total body mass, because fat distribution around the abdomen drives metabolic risk. The other choices don’t fit because they either miss multiple criteria (only elevated fasting glucose), show lipid values that are actually protective (high HDL and low triglycerides), or rely on BMI with normal lipids, which does not satisfy the lipid and blood pressure components.