Three numbers that could save your life

Knowing a few basic health numbers — blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol — could help identify serious disease before complications develop, European health experts have urged.

The call came during the first-ever EU Screening Week, launched on World Heart Day at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting in Milan. Under the banner “Know Your Numbers”, the initiative encourages people to check key cardiometabolic indicators and take preventive action earlier.

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Experts from the European Society of Cardiology, European Association for the Study of Diabetes and European Association for the Study of Obesity stressed that cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity are closely interconnected and often remain undetected until symptoms or complications develop.

The message is highly relevant for Bangladesh. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that about 13.9 million Bangladeshi adults aged 20–79 were living with diabetes in 2024, with around 39 percent undiagnosed.

Hypertension is another major concern. the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 28 percent of Bangladeshi adults aged 30–79 have hypertension, while only about 16 percent have it under control.

Regular checks of blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, weight and waist circumference can therefore provide an important opportunity for earlier diagnosis and preventive care.