Turning 40 is a major milestone for your health. Many significant conditions—such as Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and chronic kidney disease (CKD)—are ‘silent killers.’ They often show no symptoms until they are advanced.
While the NHS does not automatically provide these as a “package,” staying proactive is the best way to ensure early, effective treatment.
Expert Note: If you are of Black or Asian heritage, we recommend starting these annual checks at age 30. Statistics show a higher prevalence of diabetes and CKD in these communities at an earlier age.
The FBC is a snapshot of your general health. It measures three vital components that help identify anemia, hidden infections, or even certain cancers.
Haemoglobin (Hb): Carries oxygen. Low levels indicate Anemia; high levels indicate Polycythaemia.
Target: Men: 130–170 g/L | Women: 110–150 g/L
White Cell Count (WCC): Your immune system’s frontline. High levels may suggest infection or inflammation.
Target: 4–11 x $10^9$/L
Platelets: Responsible for blood clotting.
Target: 150–400 x $10^9$/L
Often called a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, this assesses how your internal organs are performing.
Kidney Function (U&Es)
Measures electrolytes and waste products. The most critical number here is your eGFR, which determines your CKD Stage.
Creatinine: 60–120 μmol/L (High levels suggest kidney struggle).
eGFR: 90–120 ml/min (A low score indicates declining kidney function).
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
These enzymes tell the story of your liver health and alcohol processing.
ALT/AST: 15–45 IU/L (Markers of liver cell damage).
Bilirubin: <21 µmol/L (High levels can cause jaundice).
Bone Health
Calcium: 2.2–2.6 mmol/L. Vital for bone density and heart rhythm.
A standard glucose test shows your sugar now, but the HbA1c shows your average blood sugar over the last 3 months. This is the “gold standard” for diagnosing Prediabetes.
| Condition | HbA1c (mmol/mol) | HbA1c (%) |
| Normal | 20–42 | 4% – 6% |
| Prediabetes | 42–47 | 6% – 6.5% |
| Diabetes | 48+ | 6.5%+ |
This test measures fats in the blood to predict your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Total Cholesterol: Target < 5 mmol/L.
HDL (“Good”): Target > 1 mmol/L (Helps clear arteries).
LDL (“Bad”): Target < 4 mmol/L (Clogs arteries).
Triglycerides: Target < 1.7 mmol/L.
Depending on your biology, a fifth test is crucial for early cancer or hormone detection.
For Men: PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
Target: < 3 ng/ml.
Why: A rising PSA can be an early warning for Prostate Cancer, though it can also be raised by non-cancerous enlargement (BPH) or infection.
For Women: Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)
TSH Target: 0.5 – 5.0 mU/L.
Why: Women are significantly more likely to develop thyroid issues. A high TSH usually means an underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism), causing fatigue and weight gain.
Since there is no “automatic” screening for all these items in the UK, you have three main routes:
The NHS Health Check: Available every 5 years for those aged 40–74 (includes cholesterol and glucose).
GP Request: If you have symptoms or a family history, your GP may order these.
Private Screening: Many accredited labs offer “Well Person” blood profiles that cover all the above.
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