Blood Tests for Diabetes and Heart Disease

There are a number of tests you will need to take in order to make sure you’re staying healthy and that your medications will not need to change. Here are a few tests that you may need to have when you are diagnosed with diabetes.

Glycated Haemoglobin Test
A glycated haemoglobin test (also called a glycosylated haemoglobin test or haemoglobin A1C test) will tell you your average blood sugar level for the two to three month period before the actual test. Your doctor will use this test to determine how well you’re managing your blood sugar and it is often given to those that are having troubles keeping their sugar levels steady. Those who are having troubles maintaining a steady blood sugar will need to have this test about four times a year, while those with steady blood levels can drop this test time to two visits. Many diabetes organizations recommend a glycated haemoglobin level of 7 percent or less.

Serum Creatinine Test
This blood test will measure the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product that is made each time you use your muscles. When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, they can’t remove creatinine from your blood, causing problems with the rest of your body. This blood test is done at least once a year or as directed by your physician.
The recommended ranges for the serum creatinine test are:
• Men. 0.9 to 1.4 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL)
• Women. 0.7 to 1.2 mg/dL

Lipids test
A lipids test measures the amount of fat (lipids) in your blood. A rising level of blood fats increases your risk of blood vessel damage. The test measures two such lipid substances: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides. The test also measures your level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good” cholesterol, which can protect against heart disease. This test is performed once per year, though it can be less if your cholesterol levels are stable.
• LDL: Less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL: Greater than 40 mg/dL if you’re a man
• HDL: Greater than 50 mg/dL if you’re a woman
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL

It’s important to have these tests as prescribed by your doctor in order to catch medical troubles early and to adjust any medications you might be taking.

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