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Published on: Sep 11, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) Second Opinion

What is CBC test?

CBC stands for a complete blood count. This test is ordered together with, or in lieu of, other tests to find out certain facts about your blood that you can't observe just by looking at the rest of the machine's readout, such as whether you have any abnormally high levels of red and white cells; if there are too many platelets (blood-clotting cells) or too few; what your hematocrit reading reveals (the percentage of circulating red blood cells); or if there are any abnormalities in how your hemoglobin is doing.

A CBC blood test measures a patient's hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count. The "CBC" stands for "Complete Blood Count." A CBC test typically catches dangerous aspects of one's health before they could reach a crisis point because there are telltale green flags that show up on the blood screening. Understanding these green flags is imperative for those who suffer from chronic anemia or those who have been exposed to potentially life-threatening chemicals. This free-form amino acid should be supplemented inside a BCAA product as it has been shown to improve recovery rates following intense exercise sessions and acute liver damage in the rat model.

A cbc test, or complete blood count, is a screening test used to detect abnormalities in the colony of cells that reside in the bone marrow and typically produce all types of blood cells.

It also measures white and red blood cell counts as well as platelet counts. Platelets are the clotting components made by type-megakaryocyte cells residing in the bone marrow. White blood cells help fight infection from bacteria and other germs, while red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues scattered throughout your body. An abnormal white or red cell indicates a possible illness such as an infection or anemia (which causes reduced numbers of circulating red blood cells

Cbc Test is a diagnostic test used to examine the level of hemoglobin, red cells and white cells in the blood. The CBC can be used to diagnose anemia, infection or other diseases that affect the bone marrow. It may also be done along with a complete blood count (see CBC) or, when necessary, for chemical assessment after taking certain drugs or chemotherapy medications.

The cbc test (complete blood count) is a lab test that provides information on the number and type of cells in your body. A complete blood count (CBC) typically includes information such as red and white cell counts, platelet levels, hemoglobin levels, and other additional data.

A CBC is not typically ordered on its own unless you have symptoms that may be caused by one or more types of problems - for example something that might require further attention such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (blood disorder), chronic myelogenous leukemia (cancer), thalassemia major (disease). A CBC with differential is usually ordered when there are concerning symptoms or issues present.

CBC testing is a primary way in which a doctor can examine a patient's general health, because it contains information on many different aspects. A CBC typically records at least 7 different parameters:

•Hemoglobin - The protein in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues and binds with carbon dioxide to carry it back from the tissues to be released into our airways.

•Red Blood Cell Count - Counts how many red blood cells there are, both normal and abnormal types. This cell type has been singled out because its life span averages 120 days so if there were few being produced, or they were not

However, it is more correctly called "CBC" because there are separate tests that are needed for the different parts of the blood - white cells, red cells, platelets, etc., all found in your complete blood count.

What can possibly be measured depends on what additives you need to do along with the primary measurement of how many cells per milliliter of whole blood you have after mixing with plasma or serum. The most common measurements are hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying part), hematocrit (counts red cell volume) and mean corpuscular volume.

CBC looks at the various types of cells that are present in your blood - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This comprehensive test is used to measure the number of each type of cell in relation to one another on a per-microliter basis. It's used primarily as an indicator of health risk for certain time periods (for example infection or bone marrow), but can also be ordered when there are internal bleeding concerns. Common uses include monitoring kidney disease during dialysis treatment, chemotherapy after exposure to radiation therapy, hemolytic anaemias (blood disorders), chronic liver diseases, extreme iron overload due to repeated transfusions, heavy menstrual cycles during pregnancy.

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Diabetes Symptoms in Men: Early Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges worldwide, and men are particularly vulnerable to its long-term complications. In India, the burden of diabetes has increased sharply over the past two decades, driven by lifestyle changes, sedentary habits and dietary patterns. Despite this, many men remain unaware of early diabetes symptoms or delay medical consultation until complications develop.

Understanding diabetes symptoms in men is essential for early diagnosis, effective management and prevention of serious health consequences.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by high blood sugar levels due to:

insufficient insulin production
ineffective insulin action
or both

The most common form affecting men is type 2 diabetes, which is strongly linked to lifestyle factors.

Why Men Are at Higher Risk

Several factors increase diabetes risk in men:

higher abdominal fat accumulation
smoking and alcohol consumption
irregular eating patterns
work-related stress
lower healthcare-seeking behaviour

According to Indian Council of Medical Research data, a significant proportion of men remain undiagnosed until advanced stages.

Early Diabetes Symptoms in Men

Frequent Urination

Excess sugar in the blood causes kidneys to work harder, leading to increased urination, especially at night.

Excessive Thirst

Frequent urination leads to dehydration, causing constant thirst.

Fatigue and Weakness

Cells cannot utilise glucose efficiently, resulting in low energy levels and persistent tiredness.

Unexplained Weight Changes

Men may experience unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased appetite.

Increased Hunger

Insulin resistance prevents glucose from entering cells, triggering frequent hunger.

Diabetes Symptoms Unique or Commonly Seen in Men

Erectile Dysfunction

Diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves, leading to erectile dysfunction.

Studies show a strong association between diabetes and male sexual health problems.

Reduced Testosterone Levels

Men with diabetes often have lower testosterone, affecting libido, muscle mass and mood.

Decreased Muscle Strength

Poor glucose utilisation affects muscle health and physical stamina.

Skin and Infection-Related Symptoms

Slow-Healing Wounds

High blood sugar impairs wound healing, increasing infection risk.

Frequent Infections

Men with diabetes are more prone to:

skin infections
urinary tract infections
fungal infections

Vision and Nerve Symptoms

Blurred Vision

Fluctuating blood sugar affects eye lenses, causing blurred vision.

Tingling or Numbness

Nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, causes tingling or numbness in hands and feet.

Why Diabetes Symptoms Are Often Ignored by Men

Many men dismiss symptoms as:

work-related fatigue
ageing
stress

This delay increases the risk of complications.

Long-Term Complications of Untreated Diabetes

If untreated, diabetes can lead to:

heart disease
kidney failure
nerve damage
vision loss
sexual dysfunction

According to WHO and Lancet studies, early detection significantly reduces complication risk.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis allows:

better blood sugar control
lifestyle modification
prevention of organ damage

Routine screening is crucial, even in the absence of symptoms.

When Should Men Get Tested?

Men should consider testing if they:

are over 30 years old
have a family history of diabetes
are overweight
have a sedentary lifestyle
experience any warning signs

Annual screening is recommended for at-risk individuals.

Managing Diabetes After Diagnosis

Effective management includes:

healthy diet
regular physical activity
weight control
stress management
medical treatment as advised

Early management improves quality of life.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on:

early screening
lifestyle intervention
regular follow-up

According to NITI Aayog, preventive strategies are essential to control India’s diabetes burden.

Mental Health and Diabetes in Men

Diabetes can affect mental wellbeing, leading to:

stress
anxiety
depression

Addressing emotional health improves diabetes outcomes.

Breaking the Stigma Around Men’s Health

Men often avoid seeking help due to stigma.

Promoting awareness helps:

normalise health conversations
encourage timely medical care
reduce preventable complications

Conclusion

Diabetes symptoms in men often develop gradually and may go unnoticed for years. Frequent urination, fatigue, unexplained weight changes and sexual health issues should never be ignored. Early diagnosis and timely management significantly reduce the risk of serious complications and improve long-term health outcomes. Awareness, routine screening and proactive healthcare are essential steps for men to protect their health and wellbeing in an era of rising lifestyle diseases.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Diabetes Epidemiology and Risk Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Diabetes Prevention and Management Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Diabetes Prevalence in Men
Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology – Male-Specific Diabetes Outcomes
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Reports
Statista – Global Diabetes Trends and Gender Differences

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