Cholesterol, Total-This test is used to determine the risk of developing coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemias. Cholesterol is a sterol in the blood. Knowing your cholesterol may be as important as knowing your blood pressure. Elevated cholesterol is associated with an increasing risk of coronary heart disease. Reference Range: 100-199 mg/dL
Triglycerides (Blood Fats) –This test is used to identify the risk of developing coronary heart disease, or when disorders in fat metabolism are suspected. Triglycerides are fat in the blood responsible for providing energy to the cells in the body. Reference Range: 0-149 mg/dL
HDL Cholesterol (“Good” Cholesterol)- This test measures alpha lipoprotein and is used to predict heart disease. High-density lipoproteins are believed to take cholesterol away from cells and transport it back to the liver for processing or removal. They have become known as the “good” cholesterol. Persons with high levels of HDL may have less risk of heart disease. Low levels of HDL could be the result of smoking or lack of exercise. Reference Range: 40-59 mg/dL
VLDL Cholesterol (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein)-This test measures very low density lipoprotein, which contains the highest amount of triglycerides (blood fats). Elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Reference Range: 5-40 mg/dL
LDL Cholesterol (“Bad” Cholesterol)- This test measures beta lipoproteins and is also used to predict heart disease. Low-density lipoproteins contain the greatest percentage of cholesterol and are responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls. Reference Range: 0-99 mg/dL
HEMOGLOBIN A1c with MGB ESTIMATION
The A1c test is frequently used to help newly diagnosed diabetics determine how elevated their uncontrolled blood glucose levels have been. It may be ordered several times while control is being achieved, and then several times a year to verify that good control is being maintained.
This test measures something called A1c. Hemoglobin is found inside red blood cells. Its job is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all the cells of the body. Hemoglobin, like all proteins, links up with sugars such as glucose.
You know that when you have uncontrolled diabetes you have too much sugar in your bloodstream. This extra glucose enters your red blood cells and links up (or glycates) with molecules of hemoglobin. The more excess glucose in your blood, the more hemoglobin gets glycated. It is possible to measure the percentage of A1C in the blood. The result is an overview of your average blood glucose control for the past few months.
Fasting Plasma Glucose
Prior to being tested, a person must not to eat for 12 to 14 hours. Because of this fast, the test is usually done in the morning. The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, also known as the fasting blood sugar test, measures blood sugar levels and is used to diagnose diabetes. This test exposes problems with insulin functioning.
Prolonged fasting triggers a hormone called glucagon, which is produced by the pancreas. It causes the liver to release glucose (blood sugar) into the bloodstream. If a person doesn’t have diabetes, his or her body reacts by producing insulin, which prevents hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). However, if one’s body cannot generate enough insulin or cannot appropriately respond to insulin, fasting blood sugar levels will stay high.
Doctors interpret test results by looking at glucose levels in the blood. Diagnosis categories include the following, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL):
·In the fasting plasma glucose test, 70 mg/dL to 99 mg/dL is considered within the normal range.
·A reading of 100 mg/dL to126 mg/dL suggests prediabetes, indicating an increased risk in developing full-blown diabetes.
·A reading above 126 mg/dL is the threshold at which diabetes is diagnosed.
·Blood glucose levels lower than 70 mg/dL imply an episode of hypoglycemia, in which blood sugar is dangerously low.
If the results are borderline, other tests might be done, including the oral glucose tolerance test or the postprandial plasma glucose test. Even if results are within the normal range, additional testing may be ordered to determine if a person has additional risk factors for diabetes.
