Some diseases do not show symptoms in their early stages. They spread gradually like "silent killers," often without the patient even realizing it.

However, there are certain conditions that predominantly affect men who tend to neglect their health. In this article, we will look at five such diseases that can harm men's health.

**Obesity**
According to current international guidelines, a BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher falls into the "overweight" category. People in Asian countries are at higher risk; therefore, it is recommended that they maintain a BMI below 23 kg/m².

**Risks:** Obesity increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
**What to do:** Keeping your BMI under control is the simplest preventive measure.

**Hypertension**
In India, 40% of men are unaware that they suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure). According to *The Journal of Hypertension*, 57% of deaths in India are caused by strokes, and approximately one-third are due to heart disease.

**Risks:** It can lead to coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure.
**What to do:** Even if your blood pressure is usually normal, get it checked annually.

**Diabetes**
This is a chronic condition caused by high blood glucose levels, where the body fails to produce sufficient insulin. In India, one in five men over the age of 45 suffers from this condition. The prevalence rate among men is 9.5% higher than among women.

**Risks:** Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications such as blindness, amputation, kidney failure, and impotence.
**What to do:** If you are over 40, undergo a fasting glucose test every three years. 

High Cholesterol
This refers to high levels of lipids in the blood. A recent ICMR study revealed that 89% of urban Indians have high cholesterol levels.

Risks: It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
What to do: People over the age of 40 should undergo a fasting lipid profile test every three years.

Colon Cancer
This is one of the most common types of cancer found in men. The incidence rates of this cancer are quite high in Asia.

Risks: If left untreated, a large section of the colon may need to be surgically removed.
What to do: As with other cancers, periodic screening is essential for detecting colon cancer. This allows for the detection of small polyps or growths before they enlarge.

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