European Health Experts Urge Public to 'Know Your Numbers' for Early Disease Detection

European health experts are emphasizing the importance of regularly checking key cardiometabolic indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol to identify serious diseases before complications arise. This call was made 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. The initiative, themed “Know Your Numbers,” aims to encourage individuals to take proactive steps in preventive healthcare. The message is particularly relevant for countries like Bangladesh, where an estimated 13.9 million adults aged 20–79 were living with diabetes in 2024, with approximately 39% undiagnosed. Additionally, about 28% of Bangladeshi adults aged 30–79 have hypertension, with only about 16% having it under control, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Regular monitoring of these health metrics, along with weight and waist circumference, offers a crucial opportunity for earlier diagnosis and preventive care.