5 'Silent' Health Numbers Everyone Should Track

From fasting insulin to heart rate variability, these metrics provide a more complete picture of your overall health.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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There are thousands of lab tests and assessments doctors can recommend to help paint a more complete picture of your health. While routine tests like metabolic panels and cholesterol screenings are valuable, there are some less obvious metrics that can also provide important insights. Experts recommend tracking things like fasting insulin, vitamin D, ferritin, waist circumference, and heart rate variability to get a better understanding of your overall health and potential risk factors.

Why it matters

Many health issues like insulin resistance, vitamin deficiencies, and cardiovascular disease can develop gradually without obvious symptoms. Tracking these 'silent' health numbers can help identify potential problems early, allowing for proactive lifestyle changes or medical interventions to prevent more serious conditions from developing.

The details

Fasting insulin levels can reveal insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency is common and can impact immune function, muscle health, and even mood. Low iron levels (ferritin) can cause fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms. Waist circumference is a better indicator of harmful visceral fat than weight alone. And heart rate variability provides insights into cardiovascular fitness and stress resilience.

  • The routine lab tests are typically ordered during a standard annual physical exam.

The players

Chirag Panchal, DO

An Orlando Health Physician Associates physician who specializes in preventive care.

Alison MacKinlay, MD

An assistant professor at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center who studies cardiovascular health.

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What they’re saying

“I often tell my patients that the development of type 2 diabetes is gradual and does not happen overnight. This is why early recognition is important.”

— Chirag Panchal, DO, Physician (nypost.com)

“Someone could have a 'normal' weight, but still face elevated risk if they carry excess abdominal fat.”

— Alison MacKinlay, MD, Physician (nypost.com)

The takeaway

Tracking these 'silent' health metrics can provide valuable insights beyond just weight and blood pressure, helping individuals and their doctors identify potential issues early and take proactive steps to improve overall health and wellness.