19/09/2025
How Lifestyle Diseases Like Diabetes & Hypertension Show Up in Tests
Lifestyle diseases whisper before they shout, and lab tests catch those whispers. For diabetes, screening starts with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c. An FPG of 100–125 mg/dL or an HbA1c of 5.7–6.4% signals prediabetes; 126 mg/dL or 6.5% and above on repeat testing usually confirms diabetes. Post-meal glucose or an oral glucose tolerance test can reveal spikes missed in fasting samples. Once diabetes is suspected or diagnosed, clinicians also check lipid profile, kidney function (creatinine, eGFR), and urine albumin to detect early organ stress.
Hypertension shows on the cuff: clinic readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher, or 130/80 in home monitoring, indicate high BP. Tests then look at causes and damage—electrolytes, kidney function, thyroid panel when indicated, an ECG for heart strain, an eye exam for retinal changes, and urine protein.
Because diabetes and hypertension travel together, a metabolic screen helps: waist circumference, BMI, triglycerides, HDL, and liver enzymes.
Who should test? Anyone with family history, excess weight, sedentary work, poor sleep, or chronic stress; annually after 30, or sooner if symptoms appear. If results trend upward, act early—move more, eat smart, sleep well, and consult your doctor.
