Metabolic syndrome is characterized by all of the following except:

• A. Increased waist circumference
• B. Decreased blood glucose levels
• C. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
• D. Elevated blood pressure

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of metabolic syndrome: It is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
2. Review the characteristics of metabolic syndrome: Increased waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, high blood glucose levels (not decreased), and low levels of HDL cholesterol are common indicators.
3. Identify the exception in the list: The question asks for the characteristic that does NOT align with metabolic syndrome. Decreased blood glucose levels contradict the typical feature of metabolic syndrome, which is elevated blood glucose levels.
4. Compare each option to the known characteristics of metabolic syndrome: Increased waist circumference, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure are consistent with metabolic syndrome, while decreased blood glucose levels are not.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is the exception: Decreased blood glucose levels, as it does not fit the profile of metabolic syndrome.