Cholesterol & Diabetes Testing Guide
Cholesterol panels, glucose, HbA1c, and insulin — understanding cardiovascular and metabolic blood tests.
What Is an HbA1c Blood Test?
HbA1c measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months. Normal below 5.7%, prediabetes 5.7-6.4%, diabetes 6.5%+. No fasting required.…
What Is Non-HDL Cholesterol?
Non-HDL cholesterol = total cholesterol minus HDL. Goal below 130 mg/dL. Includes all atherogenic lipoproteins — better predictor than LDL a…
What Is a Fasting Insulin Blood Test?
Fasting insulin testing: measures insulin resistance before diabetes develops. Normal below 12 µIU/mL. Often paired with glucose for HOMA-IR…
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes: fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dL or HbA1c 5.7-6.4%. 88 million Americans have it. Reversible with lifestyle changes — 58% reduce r…
What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance means cells don't respond properly to insulin. Detected with fasting insulin + HOMA-IR. Precedes diabetes by 10-15 years.…
What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome: 3+ of these 5 — high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL, high fasting glucose, abdominal obesity. Affects 35% o…