Cardiovascular disease (CVD) or rather heart disease is the number one cause of death in India, and if you have diabetes coupled with obesity then your risk is even higher – atleast 50-60% .

While high blood pressure , weight and cholesterol are well-known risk factors, there's another silent indicator that often goes unnoticed: HbA1c levels. This simple blood test, commonly used to monitor diabetes, can also serve as an early warning sign for cardiovascular risk, especially when levels rise above 6.5%, it is not just about sugar, but a wake-up call for your heart.

Also Read: Depo-Provera: How Safe Is the Injectable Birth Control?

The Concept of Q-risk

To understand the burden of heart disease ( cardiovascular disease ) , tools like Q-risk play an important role. Q-Risk is a tool doctors use to calculate how likely you are to have a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. It’s like a health forecast, based on your personal information. It considers factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking status, and family history.

Once all this is entered, Q-Risk gives a score—like a percentage. For example, if your score is 15%, that means there’s a 15 in 100 chance you could have a heart-related issue in the next decade.

Why It’s Useful

• If your score is high, your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes, medications, or regular check-ups to lower your risk.
• If your score is low, it’s a good sign—but it’s still important to stay healthy.
• Think of Q-Risk as a personal heart health check-up that helps you and your doctor make smart choices early—before problems start.

The Hidden Link: HbA1c and Cardiovascular Risk

HbA1c, or glycated haemoglobin or blood glucose , reflects average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. While it's primarily used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and weight, recent studies have shown that elevated HbA1c levels, even in individuals without diabetes, are associated with an increased Qrisk of cardiovascular events1. This makes HbA1c a valuable marker for identifying individuals at risk, even before other symptoms appear.

Also Read: NHS Recommends Flu Shots Ahead Of Winter; Here’s Why

Understanding the Elevated Cardiovascular Risk in India

South Asians, including Indians, are genetically predisposed to higher cardiovascular Qrisk,2 and this event is further amplified by lifestyle changes and rising obesity rates in urban areas. Type 2 diabetes appears to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in Asian Indian individuals further by 3–4 times as compared to their white counterparts, even after adjusting for sex, age, smoking status, hypertension, and obesity3 and only few people with type 2 diabetes get access to medication which has proven cardiovascular benefits.4 This heightened risk underscores the importance of regular monitoring and early intervention strategies tailored to this population.

According to the Registrar General of India, the World Health Organisation, and the Global Burden of Disease Study, cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in India. Age-adjusted mortality from these conditions has increased by 31% over the past 25 years. Hypertension is identified as the most significant risk factor for CVD in India, and better hypertension control could prevent 400,000 to 500,000 premature deaths annually5. This combination of genetic susceptibility and changing lifestyle patterns underscores the need for regular monitoring, early intervention, and preventive strategies tailored to this population.

Treating Early : Protecting the Heart Health with Newer Solutions Today

Given the current trend in rising cardiovascular diseases, early intervention is becoming critical. Timely action helps individuals manage HbA1c effectively, lowering the risk of long-term complications. This involves a combination of regular monitoring, maintaining optimal body weight, other preventive strategies, and evidence-based therapies.

Semaglutide belonging to a class of GLP-1 receptor agonist is a molecule which is available both in pill and recently launched injection form for weight management . Oral semaglutide has been available in India since 2022 with experience of at least million patients worldwide. A recent global study called the SOUL trial found that oral semaglutide—a diabetes medicine available in India since 2022—not only helps control blood sugar but also protects the heart.

For people with type 2 diabetes and high risk of heart problems, the study showed:

• A 14% lower chance of serious heart issues like heart attacks, strokes, or heart-related death compared to those who didn’t take the medicine.
• Among Asian participants, the benefit was even greater—with a 27% reduction in heart-related risks.

When introduced early and combined with lifestyle measures such as nutrition, exercise, and routine health checks, these interventions can deliver lasting protection for both heart and metabolic health. This means we now have the only oral pill in diabetes having this heart benefit along with weight and HbA1c benefit .

A Call to Action

By recognising the connection between HbA1c levels and their implication as an indicator of cardiovascular risk, the rising tide of heart disease in India can be slowed down. Implementing early interventions, including lifestyle modifications and appropriate therapies should become a standard part of healthcare practice, especially among those at higher risk. Acting early prevents complications and improves long-term health outcomes, offering a pathway to reducing the country’s growing burden of cardiovascular disease.

When someone is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, one of the first questions they ask is: what should my blood sugar levels be? What counts as normal, high, or low? Blood sugar levels vary from person to person because each body is unique. Factors such as age, personal health history, food intake, medication, activity levels, and even stress can influence how your body processes glucose.

While health organizations provide general guidelines for people without diabetes, target blood sugar levels for someone with type 1 diabetes are individualized. Your healthcare provider will help set goals that fit your lifestyle, age, and overall health needs, making management safer and more effective.

What Is Blood Sugar?

When we eat, the carbohydrates in our food are broken down into glucose, the body’s primary energy source. Glucose enters the bloodstream, and the hormone insulin helps move it into cells, providing fuel for muscles and organs. When this process works well, your blood sugar remains in a healthy range, giving your body enough energy without leaving excess sugar circulating in the blood.

For people with type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin naturally, so glucose can build up in the bloodstream. This makes regular monitoring of blood sugar levels essential.

What Is a Normal Blood Sugar Reading for Type 1 Diabetes?

Health organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide guidance:

Before meals (fasting):

• 80–130 mg/dL (4.4–7.2 mmol/L) for teens and adults
• 100–180 mg/dL (5.5–10.0 mmol/L) for children 6–12 years
• 100–180 mg/dL (5.5–10.0 mmol/L) for children under 6

Two hours after a meal:

• Less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)

These ranges are general guidelines. Your healthcare provider may adjust your targets based on your age, other health conditions, pregnancy, or lifestyle. Understanding these numbers and how they respond to food, activity, and medication is key to staying healthy.

When and How Should I Check My Blood Glucose?

Most people with type 1 diabetes check their blood glucose multiple times a day to ensure their levels stay within their target range. How often you check depends on your treatment plan and daily routine.

Common methods include:

• Blood glucose meter: Measures glucose from a small finger-prick blood sample. This method is quick and widely used at home.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): A tiny sensor under the skin tracks glucose levels every few minutes, providing real-time readings throughout the day and night. CGM is especially useful for people on insulin or who have frequent low blood sugar episodes.
• A1C test: A lab test that measures your average blood glucose over the past three months. Most people with diabetes take this test at least twice a year, but your provider may recommend it more often if you are not meeting your treatment goals.

Tips for Tracking Blood Sugar

• Keep a log: Note your blood sugar readings, meal times, and physical activity to spot patterns.
• Check before and after meals: This helps understand how different foods affect your glucose.
• Monitor trends: Don’t focus only on single readings—look at patterns over days or weeks.
• Work closely with your healthcare team: They can help adjust insulin doses or other treatments based on your tracking.

Regular monitoring and understanding your numbers can help prevent complications, manage symptoms, and improve your quality of life. Tracking blood sugar is not just about numbers, it’s about learning how your body responds and making informed choices every day.

With new COVID variants like Stratus and Nimbus and flu cases circulating in the UK, a hospital trust is encouraging people to get both their flu vaccines and COVID-19 boosters ahead of winter. Chief Medical Officer Vanessa Purday said, “I strongly recommend as many people as possible get vaccinated this season. Don’t wait until winter peaks, get your vaccines early.”

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust noted that the best protection comes from being vaccinated well before the winter illnesses peak.

Get Flu Jab Before Winter, NHS Warns

Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for all eligible individuals to help ‘winter-proof’ the most vulnerable and support the NHS during a season expected to be busy. Teams across England are focusing on building immunity for those most at risk before December and January, when hospital admissions for respiratory viruses typically rise.

Also Read: Daughter Of Kate Shemirani Passes Away From Cancer At 23, Son Says She Fell For Anti-vaxxer 'Mum's Conspiracy Theories'

Early data already shows an uptick in flu cases, while COVID-19 infections have been gradually increasing over the past weeks, with hospitalizations climbing by 60%. This rise follows the appearance of the XFG variant in May. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also reported a 50% increase in rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, likely linked to schools reopening after the summer break.

This year, the NHS is taking extra measures to prepare for winter. Leaders have been testing winter plans through scenario exercises and empowering local teams to develop tailored strategies for their populations. Those most vulnerable to seasonal viruses are being identified to ensure they receive targeted care and timely vaccinations. For the first time, eligible individuals could book flu or COVID-19 vaccines starting 1 September, allowing more people to schedule appointments ahead of the busy winter months.

Flu Jab: How To Get The Flu Vaccine?

According to the NHS, if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine, you can:

• Contact your GP surgery to book an appointment.
• Book a free NHS flu jab online or via the NHS App at a participating pharmacy. Adults 18+ can use this service, and some pharmacies also vaccinate children aged 2 or 3.
• Walk into a participating pharmacy to get a free vaccination without an appointment (for adults 18+, with some pharmacies offering jabs for 2-3-year-olds).

Covid New Strain: Is Covid More Severe During Winters?

The NHS explains that COVID-19 cases and hospital deaths tend to rise in winter, but it’s complicated to say whether the virus is inherently more dangerous during the colder months. Research shows that low temperatures and humidity can make the virus more stable and easier to spread. Social and behavioral factors, such as people spending more time indoors and mixing in crowded spaces, also play a big role in the seasonal patterns of infection.

Depo Provera Brain Tumor: Medroxyprogesterone acetate, a contraceptive injection containing the hormone progestin, is widely known by its brand name, Depo-Provera. Administered every three months, it prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg and thickening cervical mucus to block sperm.

Recently, the story of Robin Phillips, 45, has brought renewed attention to this birth control option. For years, Phillips experienced what she believed were migraines, only to discover she had an intracranial meningioma, a tumor that forms on the lining of the brain. She required emergency surgery. Phillips has been using Depo-Provera for nearly 30 years, pausing only during the pregnancies of her two children. She is now among over 1,000 women suing Pfizer, the manufacturer, claiming the company knew about the potential risks and failed to properly warn users.

This raises a key question: How safe is Depo-Provera, and what side effects should users be aware of?

Also Read: CDC Changes COVID Vaccine Recommendation: People Should Consult Doctors Before COVID Shot

What Is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive containing medroxyprogesterone acetate. Often called a birth control shot, it’s given every three months under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Its main function is to stop ovulation so no egg is released, while also thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Additionally, it thins the lining of the uterus.

A lower-dose version called Depo-SubQ Provera 104 works the same way but is injected just under the skin rather than into the muscle. Both versions carry similar risks and benefits.

Depo-Provera Shots: Side Effects

According to the NHS, side effects that affect more than 1 in 100 users include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Nausea, bloating, or stomach pain
• Mood changes, including nervousness or depression
• Changes in periods
• Weight fluctuations
• Lower sex drive
• Breast tenderness and back pain
• Fatigue or feeling weak
• Skin issues like acne, itching, or hair loss
• Swollen ankles or fluid retention
• Changes in vaginal discharge

If side effects persist or interfere with daily life, the NHS recommends speaking with a doctor or pharmacist.

Deep Provera Brain Tumor: Is There A Connection?

The NHS notes that using Depo-Provera for three years or longer may slightly increase the risk of meningioma, a type of brain tumor. These tumors are generally rare, so the absolute risk remains low. However, with cases like Robin Phillips’ emerging, many women are questioning the long-term safety of the injection.

What Is Meningioma?

For those unversed, Meningioma is a brain tumor that forms in the meninges, which is a protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord rather than the brain tissue itself.

Deep Provera Lawsuits

Thousands of women in the U.S. have filed lawsuits against Pfizer, claiming the company failed to adequately warn users and doctors about the potential link to brain tumors, particularly for long-term users. Pfizer has attempted to have these cases dismissed, citing FDA decisions that approved the existing labels.

What Studies Say

Research, including studies cited by the National Library of Medicine, suggests that prolonged use of Depo-Provera can increase the risk of developing slow-growing meningiomas. While these tumors remain uncommon, the connection highlights why long-term users should be aware of the potential risks and discuss contraceptive options with their healthcare providers.

Depo-Provera remains an effective and widely used contraceptive, but like all medications, it comes with risks. Women considering or currently using it should stay informed, monitor side effects, and consult a medical professional about long-term use.