Ulta Lab Tests

Diabetes Risk Test Panel

Blood
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

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.

Also known as: Cholesterol, HDL,Fasting Lipids,Cholesterol, LDL, Fasting Lipids, Lipid Panel (fasting), Lipid Profile (fasting), Lipids

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

LDL-Cholesterol

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
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The Diabetes Risk Test Panel panel contains 3 tests with 8 biomarkers .

The Diabetes Risk Test Panel is a fundamental screening tool designed to evaluate a person’s risk for developing diabetes and associated metabolic disorders. It assesses key markers related to blood sugar control, long-term glucose regulation, and lipid metabolism—three critical areas that play a major role in the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. By examining both immediate glucose levels and long-term trends in blood sugar, along with cholesterol and triglyceride profiles, this panel provides a comprehensive snapshot of a person’s metabolic health. It is especially useful in identifying prediabetes, diagnosing diabetes, and evaluating metabolic syndrome before symptoms appear.

Diabetes Risk Test Panel: When and Why It May Be Ordered

A healthcare provider may order the Diabetes Risk Test Panel for individuals with risk factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history of diabetes, hypertension, or elevated cholesterol. It is also commonly ordered for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of impaired glucose regulation, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight changes, or fatigue. Additionally, this panel is often used during annual wellness exams or preventive screenings for adults over age 45, or younger individuals with known risk factors. Early detection of blood sugar abnormalities allows for timely lifestyle or medical interventions that can delay or prevent progression to diabetes.

Diabetes Risk Test Panel: What the Panel Checks For

The Diabetes Risk Test Panel evaluates glucose metabolism and lipid balance, both of which are essential in identifying the risk or presence of diabetes and related metabolic conditions.

Glucose:
This test measures the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood at a single point in time, typically after fasting. Elevated glucose levels may indicate impaired fasting glucose (a hallmark of prediabetes) or diabetes. It reflects how efficiently the body processes sugar from food and is one of the earliest markers to become abnormal in metabolic disorders.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c):
Hemoglobin A1c measures the percentage of glucose bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells, providing an average of blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months. Unlike a single glucose reading, this test captures long-term trends in blood sugar control. Elevated HbA1c levels are diagnostic of prediabetes or diabetes and are also used to monitor how well blood sugar is being managed in diagnosed individuals.

Lipid Panel:
The lipid panel measures levels of total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides. People with diabetes or prediabetes often have an atherogenic lipid profile—high triglycerides, low HDL, and elevated small dense LDL particles—which increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. Lipid abnormalities are common in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Diabetes Risk Test Panel: Conditions or Diseases It Can Detect

The Diabetes Risk Test Panel helps detect several conditions related to impaired glucose metabolism and cardiovascular risk. These conditions often develop gradually, and early detection is key to preventing long-term complications.

Prediabetes:
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough to meet the criteria for diabetes. It is a reversible state that indicates increased risk of progression to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The panel detects this condition through mildly elevated fasting glucose or HbA1c levels and often reveals accompanying lipid abnormalities.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive loss of insulin production. It leads to sustained high blood sugar levels and is associated with multiple complications, including heart disease, kidney dysfunction, neuropathy, and vision loss. The panel aids in diagnosis by identifying elevated glucose and HbA1c levels, and it provides insight into cardiovascular risk through lipid measurements.

Metabolic Syndrome:
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that includes abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, high fasting glucose, elevated triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. This syndrome greatly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The panel helps identify key components of metabolic syndrome, particularly fasting glucose and lipid profile abnormalities.

Diabetes Risk Test Panel: How Results Are Used in Treatment or Monitoring

Prediabetes:
If the panel reveals elevated glucose or HbA1c in the prediabetic range, healthcare providers may recommend lifestyle changes including dietary modification, increased physical activity, and weight loss. In some cases, medications like metformin may be prescribed to delay progression. The panel may be repeated periodically to assess response to intervention and monitor for conversion to diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:
For patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the panel is used both for diagnosis and ongoing monitoring. Glucose and HbA1c levels guide treatment decisions related to diet, exercise, oral medications, or insulin therapy. The lipid panel is crucial in assessing cardiovascular risk and determining the need for lipid-lowering agents such as statins.

Metabolic Syndrome:
When the panel indicates metabolic syndrome, providers often implement a comprehensive treatment plan to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. This includes managing blood sugar, improving lipid profiles, controlling blood pressure, and addressing lifestyle factors. The test panel is used to track the effectiveness of these interventions over time.

Diabetes Risk Test Panel: Conclusion

The Diabetes Risk Test Panel offers an essential combination of tests for evaluating a patient’s risk of developing diabetes and related metabolic disorders. By measuring current and long-term blood sugar levels alongside a detailed lipid profile, this panel provides a multidimensional view of metabolic health. It supports early detection, guides preventive strategies, and plays a vital role in the long-term monitoring and management of conditions like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. For individuals at risk, this panel is a gateway to timely intervention and a healthier future.

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