You might feel healthy and have a normal body weight. Physically, you may look completely fine. But how about your inner health?
- Is your blood sugar normal?
- Is your blood pressure within a healthy range?
- Is your cholesterol level under control?
Even If You Feel Healthy, You May Still Be at Risk
Many people have risk factors for diabetes without showing any symptoms. Here are some major risk factors you should be aware of:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having prediabetes (Impaired Fasting Glucose or Impaired Glucose Tolerance)
- Age 30 years or older
- A family history of diabetes
- Having a sedentary lifestyle or a job that requires prolonged sitting
- Smoking
- Having high blood pressure
- Having dyslipidemia (high cholesterol – only detectable through blood tests)
- A history of gestational diabetes
- Consuming high amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages, saturated/trans fats, or excessive carbohydrates
- Experiencing sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality
Are You an Office Worker? You're at Higher Risk
If you're working a desk-bound job, you already have a higher risk of developing diabetes. And if you also have other risk factors like being overweight, having a family history, or being over 30 years old, the risk increases, even if you think you're healthy.
Diabetes Is Manageable, But Its Complications Are Not
Diabetes is common, but what many don’t realize is how serious the complications can be if it’s left untreated. These include:
- Nerve damage
- Kidney failure
- Eye damage
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke)
Prevention Is Better Than Treatment
It's your responsibility to take care of yourself and the earlier, the better.
If you don’t have diabetes:
- Limit your sugar intake
- Stay physically active
- Get screened regularly
If you already have diabetes:
- Monitor your carbohydrate intake
- Control salt and protein intake, especially if kidney function is affected
- Stick to your treatment plan
You have a choice: Start now or suffer later.
Health screenings are not just for the sick, they’re for those who want to stay healthy.
