Good metabolic health is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Factors influencing metabolic health include diet, physical activity, sleep quality, and stress management. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is crucial for optimal metabolic function. Metabolic health refers to the state of your body’s ability to effectively manage and utilize energy, primarily through the regulation of blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure.
Efficient use of insulin to regulate blood glucose levels.High insulin sensitivity means that cells respond well to insulin, allowing for efficient glucose uptake, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Conversely, low insulin sensitivity, or insulin resistance, means that cells do not respond effectively, leading to higher blood sugar levels and requiring more insulin to achieve the same effect.Improving insulin sensitivity can be beneficial for metabolic health and is often achieved through lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress.
A lipid profile is a blood test that measures the levels of different types of fats (lipids) in your bloodstream. The lipid profile helps assess cardiovascular health and the risk of heart disease. Doctors often use it to guide lifestyle changes or medication to manage cholesterol levels and overall metabolic health. Regular monitoring is important for maintaining healthy lipid levels.
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is expressed with two numbers, Systolic Pressure: The first (higher) number, representing the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood and Diastolic Pressure: The second (lower) number, indicating the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is crucial as high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.