Hematologist: “Haemophilic patients most at risk of metabolic syndrome”

Metabolic syndrome, which is not a disease, but a risk condition triggered by factors such as the presence of an excessive amount of body fat, especially in the abdominal area, elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride values ​​in the blood or insulin resistance, it also affects patients with haemophilic arthropathy. Compared to the general population, in fact, in these patients hyperglycemia is 15% more frequent, due to poor physical activity due to joint problems. It was discussed at the online meeting on the occasion of the Vicenza stage of ‘Articoliamo’, a campaign supported by Sobi with the patronage of FedEmo and dedicated to the joint well-being of haemophilic patients. “In the haemophilic patient – explained Anna Artuso, hematologist – the accumulation of abdominal fat stresses the joints of the lower limbs”, which “causes immobility which in turn causes the loss of muscle mass, which worsens the metabolic syndrome because it accelerates processes that alter metabolism. Paradoxically, a patient with a normal weight, but with a disproportion between muscle mass and fat, is more at metabolic risk than an overweight person, but with adequate muscle mass “, added the expert. “There are no specific studies on the correct diet for patients with haemophilia – said Artuso – but the Mediterranean one is effective, the same recommended for the metabolic syndrome: fruit and vegetables, which regulate blood glucose levels; rich vegetable fatty acids omega 3, such as dried fruit, which control the level of cholesterol; whole grains which have fiber, minerals and vitamins of group B, which favor blood sugar control. Sweets and red meats, which contain fatty acids, should be limited ” .