The Imperative of Regular Health Checks: Blood Sugar, BMI, and Hypertension

Correspondent | Tuesday May 23, 2023 06:00

These lifestyle diseases, linked intrinsically with our modern way of living, are often preventable with regular health checks and appropriate lifestyle modifications. In this article, we delve into the significance of monitoring three critical health indicators - blood sugar, Body Mass Index (BMI), and blood pressure.

The importance of blood sugar checks

Diabetes is one of the most common lifestyle diseases. As per the World Health Organisation, about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, primarily type 2 diabetes, which is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity. Regular blood sugar monitoring is a cornerstone of diabetes management. It allows individuals to understand how their lifestyle choices - food, physical activity, stress, and medication - affect their glucose levels. However, the utility of blood sugar checks extends beyond diabetic individuals. Regular checks can also help identify prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. With early detection and appropriate lifestyle changes, people with prediabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

BMI: A useful indicator of overall health

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple, widely used measure for comparing body weight by height. It can be a useful indicator of whether an individual is underweight, of normal weight, overweight, or obese. A high BMI is often a red flag, indicating a higher risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. It's crucial to understand that while BMI is a valuable screening tool, it doesn't directly measure body fat or account for muscle mass, and it may not perfectly correspond to the same degree of fatness in different individuals.

Hypertension: The silent killer

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a severe health concern that often goes unnoticed due to its lack of obvious symptoms. Hence, it is sometimes referred to as a 'silent killer'. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart disease and stroke. Regular blood pressure checks can help detect hypertension early. If detected, lifestyle changes and medication (if necessary) can help manage the condition and mitigate associated risks.

Conclusion: Prioritising preventive health

Given the rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases, there is a growing need to prioritise preventive healthcare. Regular health checks for blood sugar levels, BMI, and blood pressure can lead to early detection and management of conditions like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. The adage, 'prevention is better than cure,' holds particularly true in this context. We are the architects of our health. By making regular health checks a part of our routine, adopting healthier lifestyle choices, and staying physically active, we can effectively combat the global surge in lifestyle diseases and pave the way for a healthier future.