Healthy Indicators

Your Healthy Indicators

Did you know?

Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, and Cholesterol are known as the silent killers. Don’t live in the dark – get your numbers tested TODAY!
Determine whether the results of your tests fall within the ideal range, moderate riskor high risk categories.

Blood Glucose Chart

If you are insulin resistant, have a family history of diabetes or high blood pressure, and you are overweight it is vital that you know your blood sugar (glucose) levels, and have them tested at least twice a year. Take this chart to your health care professional who will be able to plot your numbers on the chart to give you an indication of your risk profile. Remember to record the results of your test on the graph below.
Click here to download chart

Blood Sugar (Glucose)

A blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in our blood. Carbohydrate foods are broken down by our bodies into glucose, which will travel throughout the body in our blood. When blood glucose levels rise, especially just after eating, the pancreas will secrete insulin. Insulin instructs cell walls to ‘open up’, allowing for glucose to move from the blood into the cells to be used as a source of energy. Insulin, therefore, regulates the levels of glucose within our blood and ensures our cells receive energy. Over time, however, our bodies may either become desensitised to the effects of insulin, or insufficient insulin may be produced to effectively monitor these blood sugar levels. This will cause abnormally high levels of glucose within the blood (hyperglycaemia), as glucose is no longer moving into the cells. This may potentially lead to the development of diabetes and severe medical complications such as damage to the eyes, nerves, blood vessels and kidneys. Glucose levels in the blood may also get too low (hypoglycaemia). This generally happens with people suffering from diabetes as result of their medication, or when they have not eaten and may also be an issue as cells will not receive enough glucose, and therefore, energy.

Blood Glucose Chart

The facts

It is estimated that 3.5 million South Africans (6% of the population) have diabetes,and a further 5 million are pre-diabetic.
Many diabetics remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated.

Fasting blood sugar levels above 5.5mmol/ L may be an indication of glucose intolerance or even diabetes, and needs to be discussed with your doctor. Blood sugar can be tested by a simple finger prick test done at your local clinic,pharmacy or doctors room. Following the healthy eating guidelines in Weigh-Less will help maintain your blood glucose levels and keep them within an ideal range

Did you know?

The Weigh-Less Eating Plan is specifically designed to keep blood sugar levels under control (as it follows low GI and GL principles). This is true for all Members including insulin resistant and type 2 diabetic Members

Symbols To Look For

Members with high blood sugar levels must mainly choose foods marked with the following symbols in the Food Choice Booklet:

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure refers to the pressure of the blood against the arteries. If this pressure becomes too high, or too low, it may lead to serious health consequences. The exact causes for changes in blood pressure are unknown. High blood pressure (hypertension), however, may be aggravated by factors including smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, kidney disease, genetics, adrenal and thyroid complications, stress and old age. It may be dangerous as the heart will have to strain to pump blood around the body. Low blood pressure (hypotension) may also negatively affect one’s health as blood, carrying oxygen, will not be transported around the body. The causes of low blood pressure have been linked to pregnancy, thyroid problems, dehydration, blood loss, allergic reactions, infection or lack of nutrients in the diet.

Did you know?

Even a small weight loss can make a big difference to your blood pressure. A 10% weight loss can reduce blood pressure by 20%! Members with high blood pressure must avoid foods marked with the ‘Salt’ Symbol in the Food Choice Booklet.
Download Your Blood Pressure Chart

Blood Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat found within the blood. The body makes cholesterol to supply the cell’s needs as cholesterol plays an important role in ensuring the functioning of the cell membrane; however we also ingest cholesterol from the food we eat. Elevated levels of cholesterol will have negative consequences as cholesterol will build up in your arteries. This is referred to as the hardening of the arteries. High levels of cholesterol will reduce the amount of blood, and therefore oxygen that is transported to all of our body tissues, including the heart. It is usually a slow process that gets worse over years of unhealthy eating. High cholesterol can lead to serious medical issues, including heart attacks and strokes.

The facts

The symptoms of high cholesterol are often only noticed after having caused a substantial amount of damage to your arteries.
Early preventative treatment and measures can limit the extent of damage.
A quick finger prick (that can be performed at your local clinic or pharmacy) will give an overall cholesterol number.
If this number is elevated, you will need to go to your

It is recommended that your cholesterol levels are tested:

Every six months: If you have already high cholesterol levels.
At least once a year: If you have a family history of cholesterol or are at risk of high cholesterol.
Once every three years: If you have a low risk of cholesterol.

Did you know?

Weight loss, healthy eating and regular exercise can prevent, reverse and manage high cholesterol levels in most people.

Symbols To Look For

Members with high cholesterol should mainly choose foods marked with the following symbols in the Food Choice Booklet:

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