Adults over 40 are being urged to track blood sugar, blood pressure and waist circumference, as serious metabolic changes can develop without obvious symptoms or weight gain.
Endocrinologist Antonina Khodashinskaya has urged adults over 40 to pay closer attention to metabolic markers that can signal rising risk of obesity and heart disease, even when body weight appears normal. In comments reported by the Russian newspaper Izvestia, she said age-related changes in metabolism can develop quietly and may go unnoticed for years, which is why people should not rely on weight alone as a measure of health. According to the American Heart Association, routine checks of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose are central to spotting cardiovascular risk early.
Khodashinskaya said three indicators deserve particular attention after midlife: blood sugar, blood pressure and waist circumference. The latter, she noted, can be a useful sign of visceral fat, the deep abdominal fat linked with reduced insulin sensitivity and a higher chance of metabolic illness. That warning is consistent with guidance from MedlinePlus and other heart-health resources, which stress that waist size, blood pressure and cholesterol levels together give a clearer picture of risk than body mass alone. The emphasis on these measures reflects a broader medical view that cardiovascular prevention works best before symptoms appear.
The doctor also outlined practical steps for keeping metabolism and the cardiovascular system in better shape, including regular exercise, daily movement, maintaining muscle strength, limiting processed foods, cutting back on added sugar, and reducing salt and saturated fat. She also highlighted sleep as part of heart and hormone health, saying rest helps the body recover from stress and supports metabolic regulation. Similar advice appears in screening guidance from the American Heart Association, Acibadem Hospitals Group and Healthline, which all place lifestyle, routine check-ups and ongoing monitoring at the centre of prevention.
Another endocrinologist, Alexander Farmanov, told Izvestia that type 2 diabetes can develop without obvious symptoms, including in younger people. He said warning signs that should prompt a medical visit include recurrent skin and mucous membrane infections, slow wound healing, sleepiness after meals and persistent fatigue. That point matters because, as health resources from MedlinePlus and the American Heart Association note, early screening is often the most effective way to identify problems before they become more difficult to treat.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
