Men’s Health
Men's Metabolic Health
Metabolic health issues are a common concern among men. Our providers are here to help.
Medically reviewed on Dec. 04, 2023.
Your Partner in Care
Your health care team plays an important role in maintaining good metabolic health. Primary care providers are the first level of care, followed by specialists with expertise in focused areas.
At UC Davis Health, our providers collaborate around your individual needs. Working together, we provide:
- Education to prevent metabolic health conditions
- Screenings to detect metabolic health conditions early
- Guidance and support to help you improve your metabolic health
On this page
Our Difference
World-Class Expertise
When you need specialty care, you have access to expertise found only at a leading academic health system. UC Davis Health is nationally ranked in several metabolic health-related specialties, including cardiology and endocrinology. See our latest awards and honors.
Innovation
Metabolic health conditions are a leading cause of death and disease in men. Our researchers are working to find new ways to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic health conditions. Learn more about UC Davis Health clinical studies.
Convenient Care
When possible, we provide care close to home. You’ll find primary care offices located in Sacramento and across Northern California. We also offer Telehealth Express Care, which allows you to access our primary and specialty care physicians from any location.
What Is Metabolic Health?
Metabolism is how your body breaks down, stores and uses nutrients from the food you eat. Your ability to process food depends on your age, biological sex and genetics. Other factors that affect metabolism include your diet, weight, exercise, sleep and mental health.
Your metabolism relies on complex interactions between your gut and brain. Chemical messengers called hormones regulate these interactions. Insulin is a key hormone in metabolic health that helps your cells take in sugar from your bloodstream. Other hormones process the fats in the food you eat.
If you have a healthy metabolism, the levels of insulin, sugar and fat in your blood remain relatively constant after you eat. If you have poor metabolic health, eating food may cause your insulin, sugar and fat levels to spike. Over time, these spikes can cause inflammation and increase your risk for metabolic diseases.
Types of Metabolic Diseases
Diabetes
In diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin. Without this essential hormone, sugar builds up in your blood.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease occurs when fat accumulates in your liver. This buildup can lead to liver failure.
Kidney Disease
Your kidneys filter waste from your blood and help maintain the fluid level in your body. Kidney disease affects these important functions.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that often occur together. They include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abdominal obesity, and abnormal blood fats. Metabolic syndrome increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes.
How to Improve Your Metabolic Health
The good news is that you can take steps to lower your risk of metabolic health diseases and improve your overall health. Talk to your provider about the best options for you.
Metabolic health tips include:
Eat Healthy
The best foods for a healthy diet include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Limit sugar, salt, alcohol and processed foods.
Exercise
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Check with your provider before starting an exercise program to make sure exercise is safe for you.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can contribute to metabolic dysfunction. Some options for stress reduction include spending time with friends and family, getting enough sleep and practicing relaxation.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is linked to many diseases, including metabolic health conditions. Quitting smoking, or not starting if you don’t smoke, is one of the best things you can do for your health.
See Your Provider Regularly
Routine visits can help prevent or treat metabolic health conditions. Your provider will check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. They will also review your risk factors.
"Get Regular Physical Activity," NIH, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-healthy-living/physical-activity
"National Diabetes Statistics Report," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/diagnosed-undiagnosed-diabetes.html
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Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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