Diabetes And Lipid Profile

The Diabetes and Lipid Profile Test measures the levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood. It helps evaluate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes in people. 

Apollo 24|7’s Diabetes and Lipid Profile package includes Glucose Fasting, Glucose Postprandial, Urea, Creatinine, HbA1c, Total Cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Cholesterol, Cholesterol/HDL Ratio, and Non-High-Density Lipoprotein (Non-HDL) Cholesterol tests.

Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a metabolic condition characterised by excessive blood sugar levels. It is often associated with lipid disorders and cardiovascular complications. Some of the common symptoms of diabetes may include increased hunger, frequent urination, increased thirst, and weight loss. Getting a diabetes profile test is essential if you experience these signs or symptoms.

A lipid profile test is a collection of blood tests that measure the amounts of various lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It can help determine risks for developing cardiovascular diseases, certain forms of pancreatitis, etc. Lipid disorders are usually asymptomatic and manifest after years with cardiac problems. In extreme and rare cases, lipid disorders may cause yellowish, fatty lumps or yellow wrinkles on the skin due to the build-up of fatty deposits around tendons and joints (xanthomas). 

The Diabetes and Lipid Profile test package is recommended for people who are at higher risk of developing diabetes and lipid disorders and for people undergoing diabetes treatment.

The Diabetes and Lipid Profile Test is done: 

• As a part of regular health check-ups.
• To screen for risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. 
• In people who have a genetic history of heart disease and diabetes.
• To monitor the efficacy of diabetes treatment or ongoing cardiovascular disease treatment.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Saptarshi Bhattacharya, Endocrinology, Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, South Delhi.

Frequently asked questions

How is the blood sample taken?

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the levels of blood glucose (sugar) become too high. Blood glucose is the main source of energy and is derived from the food which is consumed. Insulin is a hormone which is produced by the pancreas. Its function is to help derive glucose from food and deliver it to cells so that it can be used for energy. When the body doesn¶?t produce enough insulin or is not able to use the insulin well, the glucose levels rise due to abnormal regulation of insulin in the body which leads to diabetes

How does diabetes affect the body?

Diabetes affects major organs of the body which include the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can cause damage to these organs and create complications if the blood glucose levels are not controlled. The complications can even cause disability in the body and can be life-threatening as well.

What are the complications of diabetes?

The complications of diabetes include heart diseases, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, foot damage, skin problems such as bacterial and fungal infections, problems in hearing, Alzheimer¶?s disease, and depression.

What preventive measures can be taken to avoid diabetes?

The preventive measures which can be taken to avoid diabetes include the intake of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. Maintain a healthy weight. In case you are a diabetic, you should take medications prescribed by your doctor along with these preventive measures to avoid having complications of diabetes in the future.

What is the connection between cholesterol and diabetes? 

High blood sugar can damage the walls of your arteries, which makes cholesterol more prone to sticking to them or blocking them. If you have diabetes, your HDL or good cholesterol levels can be lower. However, your LDL/Non-HDL or bad cholesterol levels are usually much higher.

What are the effects of diabetes on the body?

The heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys are among the body's essential organs that are at risk due to diabetes. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can cause damage to these organs. Hence, a diabetes profile test is recommended at regular intervals to make sure blood sugars are controlled.

What are the complications of diabetes?

The complications of diabetes include nerve damage, eye damage, skin problems such as fungal and bacterial infections, depression, heart disease, kidney damage, foot damage, hearing problems, and liver damage.

What is the HbA1c test? 

The HbA1c test, also known as the haemoglobin A1C test, is a blood test that determines your average blood glucose levels over the last three months. It is one of the most common tests for diagnosing diabetes.

What are the symptoms of a high blood sugar level?

High blood sugar in your blood can have symptoms like frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dry mouth, increased thirst, weakness, shortness of breath, and blurred vision.

Is it possible to reverse type 2 diabetes?

As per recent studies, type 2 diabetes can be reversed to a certain extent in the early stages if significant weight loss is achieved. However, continued monitoring with diabetes and lipid profile test is recommended along with proper diet and exercise, in the few who manage to reverse diabetes. For the majority, diabetes requires long-term treatment.