Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Five Essential Health Tests to Consider This Winter, According To A Doctor

<span>Winter in India</span> is often associated with <em>sardio ke laddoo</em>, but also with increasingly sedentary lifestyle, worsening air pollution, all of which leads to more time spending home than to going out, taking a stroll, working out and more. This is why as winter sets in, India also sees a quiet but consistent rise in <span>non communicable diseases</span>, or NCDs, conditions that now account for nearly two thirds of all deaths in the country. Heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, fatty liver disease and arthritis continue to rise across age groups, driven by sedentary lifestyles, dietary excess and delayed diagnosis.

Winter can further aggravate these risks. Physical activity drops, calorie dense foods become routine, sunlight exposure reduces and metabolism changes. Studies and hospital data in India have repeatedly shown that heart attacks and strokes tend to spike during colder months. Blood vessels constrict, blood viscosity increases and cholesterol levels often rise. Blood sugar control also becomes more challenging, while joint pain and stiffness worsen for many.

Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth, Chief Pathologist at Redcliffe Labs, says the problem is not seasonal food but seasonal neglect. “Traditional winter foods are not harmful on their own. The real risk comes from consuming them without understanding what is happening inside the body,” she explains. “Winter tends to mask symptoms while quietly worsening internal imbalances.”

With India already home to over 100 million people living with diabetes and a similar number estimated to be prediabetic, preventive testing becomes crucial. Doctors recommend five key tests that can offer a clearer picture of health before winter indulgence begins.

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing NCDs in India, and a large proportion of cases remain undiagnosed. Winter diets high in sugar and fat can trigger frequent glucose spikes. Testing fasting blood sugar and HbA1c helps identify early risk and prevents long term complications affecting nerves, kidneys and the heart.

High cholesterol is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, which remains India’s leading cause of death. Reduced activity in winter often pushes lipid levels higher. A lipid profile helps assess heart risk and guides dietary and lifestyle moderation before damage sets in.

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasingly common in India, even among younger adults. Excess sugar and fat intake during winter can worsen liver fat accumulation. Early liver testing can flag reversible changes before they progress to chronic liver disease.

Thyroid disorders affect millions in India, especially women, and often go unnoticed. Symptoms like weight gain, fatigue and cold intolerance are frequently brushed off as winter sluggishness. A simple thyroid test helps distinguish seasonal lethargy from hormonal imbalance.

<h2>Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 Levels</h2>

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread due to limited sun exposure in winter, while Vitamin B12 deficiency remains common because of dietary patterns. Both deficiencies are linked to low immunity, muscle pain, bone weakness and worsening joint discomfort.

Dr. Seth adds, “Preventive diagnostic testing allows people to make informed choices. It helps them enjoy winter foods in moderation without unknowingly worsening an underlying condition.”

As NCD related healthcare costs continue to rise in India, early testing offers both health and financial protection. Winter comfort does not have to come at the cost of long term health. Staying informed may be the most effective preventive step this season.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

seasonal health

5 winter tests

non communicable diseases

winter illnesses

health and wellness

winter in india

Tamiflu Isn't The Only Flu Medicine, Expert Shares Other Alternative

How To Cure Hangover Headache At Home?

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Winter in India is often associated with sardio ke laddoo, but also with increasingly sedentary lifestyle, worsening air pollution, all of which leads to more time spending home than to going out, taking a stroll, working out and more. This is why as winter sets in, India also sees a quiet but consistent rise in non communicable diseases, or NCDs, conditions that now account for nearly two thirds of all deaths in the country. Heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, fatty liver disease and arthritis continue to rise across age groups, driven by sedentary lifestyles, dietary excess and delayed diagnosis.Winter can further aggravate these risks. Physical activity drops, calorie dense foods become routine, sunlight exposure reduces and metabolism changes. Studies and hospital data in India have repeatedly shown that heart attacks and strokes tend to spike during colder months. Blood vessels constrict, blood viscosity increases and cholesterol levels often rise. Blood sugar control also becomes more challenging, while joint pain and stiffness worsen for many.Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth, Chief Pathologist at Redcliffe Labs, says the problem is not seasonal food but seasonal neglect. “Traditional winter foods are not harmful on their own. The real risk comes from consuming them without understanding what is happening inside the body,” she explains. “Winter tends to mask symptoms while quietly worsening internal imbalances.”With India already home to over 100 million people living with diabetes and a similar number estimated to be prediabetic, preventive testing becomes crucial. Doctors recommend five key tests that can offer a clearer picture of health before winter indulgence begins.Blood Sugar LevelsDiabetes is one of the fastest growing NCDs in India, and a large proportion of cases remain undiagnosed. Winter diets high in sugar and fat can trigger frequent glucose spikes. Testing fasting blood sugar and HbA1c helps identify early risk and prevents long term complications affecting nerves, kidneys and the heart.Lipid ProfileHigh cholesterol is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, which remains India’s leading cause of death. Reduced activity in winter often pushes lipid levels higher. A lipid profile helps assess heart risk and guides dietary and lifestyle moderation before damage sets in.Liver Function TestNon alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasingly common in India, even among younger adults. Excess sugar and fat intake during winter can worsen liver fat accumulation. Early liver testing can flag reversible changes before they progress to chronic liver disease.Thyroid Function TestThyroid disorders affect millions in India, especially women, and often go unnoticed. Symptoms like weight gain, fatigue and cold intolerance are frequently brushed off as winter sluggishness. A simple thyroid test helps distinguish seasonal lethargy from hormonal imbalance.Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 LevelsVitamin D deficiency is widespread due to limited sun exposure in winter, while Vitamin B12 deficiency remains common because of dietary patterns. Both deficiencies are linked to low immunity, muscle pain, bone weakness and worsening joint discomfort.Dr. Seth adds, “Preventive diagnostic testing allows people to make informed choices. It helps them enjoy winter foods in moderation without unknowingly worsening an underlying condition.”As NCD related healthcare costs continue to rise in India, early testing offers both health and financial protection. Winter comfort does not have to come at the cost of long term health. Staying informed may be the most effective preventive step this season.