Opinion
Call it "dysmetabolic syndrome"
LETTER — Posted Oct. 24, 2005
Regarding "Critics question usefulness of metabolic syndrome diagnosis" (Article, Sept. 19): One can recognize some utility in lumping together several important problems that seem to be related in some as yet undiscovered manner.
My objection to the term is semantic. It would seem that "metabolism" itself is made out to be a disease rather than a universal aspect of life. Some negative word element is needed that would indicate disordered metabolism. The Greek prefix "dys" could be used, making "dysmetabolic syndrome." Other readers interested in proper language may have better ideas.
Thomas F. Higby, MD, Fowlerville, Mich.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/10/24/edlt1024.htm.