It’s become a common story in Nigeria for people to skip basic medical tests until they’re already dealing with a full-blown health crisis. It’s not due to lack of concern—most people genuinely want to stay healthy. But over time, we’ve gotten used to brushing off warning signs like fatigue, headaches, or random body pain as “normal” or “just stress.” That delay can be dangerous.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
There are a few simple lab tests you can take that could flag health issues early, long before you feel the effects. These aren’t fancy or expensive. They’re fast, widely available, and potentially life-saving.
1. Blood Sugar (Fasting Glucose)
Type 2 diabetes is silently creeping up on people—especially in urban areas where diets are heavy in processed carbs and physical activity is low. You may not notice anything until it’s serious. A simple fasting blood sugar test can tell you if you’re at risk before symptoms like blurry vision, slow wound healing, or numbness start showing up.
🧪 How it works: You fast for at least 8 hours, then take a quick blood sample. The results show how your body handles sugar when no food is in your system.
Learn more about blood sugar levels and diabetes from Mayo Clinic
What it helps prevent: Type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure
2. Blood Pressure Checks
High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the “silent killer” for a reason. You could be walking around with dangerously high pressure and not feel a thing—until it causes a stroke or heart attack.
🩺 How often? At least once every 3–6 months if you’re over 30 or have a family history of hypertension. If you already have high blood pressure, you should monitor it monthly.
Pan African Med Journal on hypertension
What it helps prevent: Stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss
3. Malaria Rapid Test
In Nigeria, malaria is so common that many people self-diagnose and treat themselves at home. But that’s risky. Not all fevers are malaria—and not all malaria cases respond to the same drugs.
A malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) can confirm within minutes whether or not you have the parasite in your blood.
🔬 Why it matters: Early detection and correct diagnosis mean quicker treatment and a reduced risk of complications like liver damage, cerebral malaria, or even death.
WHO guidance on malaria testing and treatment
What it helps prevent: Organ failure, misdiagnosis, resistance to malaria drugs
4. Urinalysis Test
This is one of the most underused yet powerful tools in routine health screening. It’s non-invasive, cheap, and incredibly insightful.
A urinalysis can detect urinary tract infections (UTIs), signs of kidney problems, and even early diabetes by identifying abnormalities in your urine’s color, appearance, protein content, and more.
🚽 How often? At least once a year, or whenever you feel symptoms like pain during urination, lower abdominal discomfort, or unusual urine color.
More on urinalysis from Cleveland Clinic
What it helps detect: Kidney disease, bladder infections, diabetes, liver disorders
5. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body, filtering toxins, aiding digestion, and supporting metabolism. Liver damage often goes unnoticed until it’s severe.
LFTs can detect early signs of liver stress caused by alcohol, hepatitis infections, fatty liver disease, or medication overuse.
🧫 Why it’s crucial: Symptoms like yellow eyes (jaundice), bloating, or dark urine usually appear when damage has already occurred. Testing early helps you take preventive steps—like changing your diet or stopping harmful habits—before it’s too late.
CDC guide to liver function tests
What it helps detect: Hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, liver failure
Bonus Tip: Don’t Ignore Your Gut
Many labs also offer stool analysis, which can detect issues like intestinal infections, parasites, blood in stool, and gut inflammation. It’s especially useful if you frequently experience abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, or unexplained weight loss.
More about stool analysis from Medical News Today
Make It a Habit
Getting regular health checks doesn’t mean you’re paranoid. It means you’re proactive. The same way you service your car regularly, your body needs checkups too.
If you’re over 30, you should at least do a basic health screening every 6 months. If you’re under 30 and generally healthy, once a year may be enough—but always test when symptoms appear, even if they seem small.
So next time you’re feeling unwell and wondering about going for a medical checkup, book that test.
Your future self will thank you.