Gender specific aspects in metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). There is a worldwide increase in the prevalence of MS, excess weight, obesity, and T2DM, young adults and children also being affected. Notably, the most dramatic increases have been observed in females. This is of major relevance in view of the relatively poor prognosis with regard to cardiovascular mortality in women with MS and T2DM. This article aims to give a brief overview of recent studies, which might contribute to a better understanding of this issue. Increased awareness and further research of gender specific factors could have an important impact on optimizing prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of MS.