Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Basic

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Also known as: A1c, Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycohemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, HA1c, HbA1c, Hemoglobin A1c, Hemoglobin A1c HgbA1C, Hgb A1c

Hemoglobin A1c

The A1c test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months. It does this by measuring the concentration of glycated (also often called glycosylated) hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transporting protein found inside red blood cells (RBCs). There are several types of normal hemoglobin, but the predominant form – about 95-98% – is hemoglobin A. As glucose circulates in the blood, some of it spontaneously binds to hemoglobin A. The hemoglobin molecules with attached glucose are called glycated hemoglobin. The higher the concentration of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed. Once the glucose binds to the hemoglobin, it remains there for the life of the red blood cell – normally about 120 days. The predominant form of glycated hemoglobin is referred to as HbA1c or A1c. A1c is produced on a daily basis and slowly cleared from the blood as older RBCs die and younger RBCs (with non-glycated hemoglobin) take their place. This test is used to monitor treatment in someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to evaluate how well their glucose levels have been controlled by treatment over time. This test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes or risk of developing diabetes. In 2010, clinical practice guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) stated that A1c may be added to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as an option for diabetes screening and diagnosis. For monitoring purposes, an A1c of less than 7% indicates good glucose control and a lower risk of diabetic complications for the majority of diabetics. However, in 2012, the ADA and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) issued a position statement recommending that the management of glucose control in type 2 diabetes be more "patient-centered." Data from recent studies have shown that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause complications and that people with risk of severe hypoglycemia, underlying health conditions, complications, and a limited life expectancy do not necessarily benefit from having a stringent goal of less than 7% for their A1c. The statement recommends that people work closely with their doctor to select a goal that reflects each person's individual health status and that balances risks and benefits.
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The Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Basic panel contains 2 tests with 2 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Basic panel is designed to provide fundamental insights into an individual's glucose metabolism and overall blood sugar control. This panel includes two essential tests: Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c, making it an invaluable tool for initial diabetes screening and monitoring.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Whole Blood and Serum

Test Preparation: Fasting required

When and Why the Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Basic Panel May Be Ordered

This panel is typically ordered for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of high or low blood sugar, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. It's also used for routine monitoring in those with a known risk of diabetes or for those who have been previously diagnosed with diabetes and need regular monitoring of their blood sugar control.

What the Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Basic Panel Checks For

  • Glucose: Measures the current level of glucose in the blood, providing a snapshot of blood sugar levels at the time of the test. It's crucial for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and prediabetes.

  • Hemoglobin A1c: Reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated. It helps assess long-term glucose control and the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies.

Getting a Deeper Understanding of Blood Sugar

For a more comprehensive evaluation of blood sugar control and diabetes risk, consider upgrading to:

  • Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Basic Plus panel: Adds a 3 Specimens Glucose Tolerance Test and 3 Specimens Insulin Response to Glucose for a detailed assessment of how the body processes glucose over time, and Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 Antibody to check for autoimmune diabetes.

  • Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Advanced panel: Includes all tests in the Basic Plus panel with an additional specimen for the glucose tolerance and insulin response tests, and introduces Adiponectin to evaluate a protein hormone involved in glucose regulation and fatty acid breakdown.

  • Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Comprehensive panel: The most detailed panel, adding IA-2 Antibody and Proinsulin to the Advanced panel, providing the broadest insight into diabetes risk, insulin production, and autoimmune diabetes markers.

Conditions or Diseases the Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Basic Panel Can Check For

This panel is essential for diagnosing and managing diabetes mellitus, monitoring prediabetes, and assessing the risk of developing diabetes. It helps in identifying both acute changes in glucose levels and long-term control of blood sugar.

Use of Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Basic Panel Results by Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals utilize these results to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes, tailor treatment plans, and monitor the effectiveness of dietary, lifestyle, and pharmacological interventions in managing blood sugar levels.

The Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Basic panel serves as a foundational tool in assessing blood sugar control and diabetes risk. It offers critical insights into an individual's current glucose levels and long-term blood sugar management. For those requiring a deeper analysis or with specific concerns related to glucose metabolism and insulin response, the more advanced panels provide expanded testing options to address comprehensive health assessment needs, ensuring a targeted and informed approach to diabetes management and prevention.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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