Individuals are encouraged to invest Rs 2,000 now to potentially avoid incurring Rs 2 lakh in hospital expenses. The recommended health checks every Indian citizen ought to undergo are highlighted in this piece.
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India is currently home to 130 million diabetics, a number that has significantly increased from 70 million in the past six or seven years. This alarming rise in diabetes cases has underscored the importance of regular health tests for early detection and prevention of associated health conditions.
One such condition is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), for which India is the global capital. Obesity is not usually associated with fatty liver, which often develops without any obvious symptoms. The grades of fatty liver range from Grade 1 (mild) to Grade 3 (severe), with a healthy liver having less than 5% fat.
Nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary recommends three essential tests for preventive health care in India to detect silent health issues.
Vitamin D Test
Many Indians suffer from vitamin D deficiency, which can cause low immunity, weak bones, and fatigue. Although labs may list 30 ng/mL as normal, Chowdhary recommends aiming for 60-70 ng/mL for optimal health. Vitamin D is best absorbed when taken in the morning with a high-fat meal and should be avoided at night to prevent sleep disturbances.
Diabetes Indicators: HbA1c and Fasting Insulin
Due to the rising diabetes, it is crucial to screen for blood sugar abnormalities early. Ideal levels according to Chowdhary are:
- HbA1c should be under 5.3%.
- Fasting insulin should be below 5 mIU/L (some sources mention an optimal range of <4-6 µIU/mL).
High levels suggest prediabetes or diabetes, requiring diet changes to reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Liver Function Tests (LFT)
Silent conditions like NAFLD are common even in non-overweight individuals in India. While specific normal/ideal values were not explicitly stated by Chowdhary, the emphasis is on early detection through routine liver function screening to prevent serious complications.
In summary, the recommended tests for preventive care in India are:
| Test | Recommended Normal/Ideal Levels | Purpose/Importance | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Vitamin D | 60-70 ng/mL (optimal) | Prevents deficiency-related fatigue and low immunity | | HbA1c | Under 5.3% | Early detection of diabetes/prediabetes | | Fasting Insulin | Below 5 mIU/L (ideal <4-6 µIU/mL) | Detects insulin resistance | | Liver Function Tests (LFT)| Not specified, but regular screening advised | Detects silent liver diseases like NAFLD |
These tests help identify common but often unnoticed health issues for timely preventive care in the Indian population. Regular health tests can help prevent future health conditions and save thousands of dollars in future medical expenses. Ignoring regular health tests can have serious consequences for both long-term health and finances.
Rashi Chowdhary advises that HbA1c and fasting insulin tests are essential for detecting diabetes early. Approximately 80% of Indians suffer from vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to low immunity, weak bones, and fatigue. Spending just Rs 2,000 on early testing could potentially avoid difficulties later on that could cost Rs 2 lakh or more in hospital expenses.
- Science has a significant role in understanding and managing chronic diseases like diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and other medical conditions.
- Early detection and prevention of health conditions are crucial, as demonstrated by the rise in diabetes cases in India over the past six years.
- Regular health tests are essential for maintaining workplace-wellness and promoting overall health and wellness.
- Nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary emphasizes three essential tests for preventive health care in India.
- Vitamin D deficiency, affecting many Indians, can cause fatigue, low immunity, and weak bones.
- For optimal health, aim for a Vitamin D level of 60-70 ng/mL, best absorbed in the morning with a high-fat meal.
- HbA1c should ideally be under 5.3% to detect early signs of diabetes or prediabetes.
- Fasting insulin levels should be below 5 mIU/L to identify insulin resistance and prediabetes.
- Liver Function Tests (LFT) should be routinely screened to detect silent liver diseases like NAFLD.
- These tests help identify common health issues that are often unnoticed in the Indian population.
- Maintaining eye-health, hearing, respiratory conditions, digestive health, and cardiovascular health are essential aspects of overall health and wellness.
- Therapies and treatments, fitness and exercise, and proper nutrition play an integral role in managing various health conditions.
- Autoimmune disorders, mental health, and skin-care are important areas of focus in men's and women's health.
- Skin-conditions may require specific attention and treatment, including therapy, proper nutritional support, and skin-care products.
- Early detection and management of neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, are vital for long-term health.
- Fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, wealth management, and personal-finance are essential aspects of lifestyle choices that impact health and wellness.
- A balanced diet, regular exercise, and good nutrition contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases.
- Limiting exposure to environmental factors like pollution and toxins can improve overall health and reduce the risk of certain medical conditions.
- Maintaining good relationships, taking care of pets, and traveling can positively impact mental and emotional well-being.
- Engaging in sports, such as baseball, golf, basketball, racing, tennis, and mixed-martial-arts, provides physical fitness and improves overall health.
- Monitoring weather conditions and adapting to seasonal changes can help maintain health and wellness, especially from respiratory and skin-conditions.
