Critical Health Marker | Recommended Range | Details |
Blood sugar The amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood | Prediabetes HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) less than 6% Diabetes HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) less than 7% | Blood sugar is also measured by the amount of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in your blood. An HbA1c test gives you a picture of your average blood sugar control for the past 2 to 3 months and provides you with a better idea of how well your diabetes treatment plan is working. |
Blood pressure The force of blood against the arteries when the heart beats and rests | Less than 130/80 mm Hg | Blood pressure is typically measured by a device that uses the height of a column of mercury (Hg) to reflect the circulating systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic pressure (top number) is the peak pressure in the arteries, and diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the lowest pressure. |
Blood cholesterol A waxy substance produced by the liver | A total cholesterol score of less than 180 mg/dL is considered optimal. | Because cholesterol is unable to dissolve in the blood, it has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (or LDL) cholesterol, is known as “bad” cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein (or HDL) cholesterol, is known as “good” cholesterol. |
Body weight | A body mass index (BMI) of 18.6-24.9 Waistline smaller than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men | A person’s ideal body weight varies by gender, age, height, and frame. Your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference provide good indicators of whether you are at a healthy weight. |