Know Your Cholesterol

A total cholesterol and Hemoglobin A1C are two basic labs used to assess inflammation and insulin resistance in your body. This information can be useful for determining heart attack and stroke risks. Knowing your levels will help you evaluate how diet and lifestyle changes are working for you. Peoples Wellness Center offers this testing by appointment. To assess cholesterol, you will need to be 8-9 hours fasting. 

Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL is the “bad” cholesterol that forms fatty, waxy deposits called plaque which can build up in the arteries. Over time, this build up can damage the arteries and cause a blockage.

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL is known as “good” cholesterol as it helps transport excess cholesterol out of the arteries and into the liver where it is naturally removed by the body. HDL levels should always be over 60 mg/dL.

Know Your A1C 

A1C measures what percentage of your hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, is coated with sugar (glycated). The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher your risk of diabetes complications.

For people without diabetes, the normal A1C range is less than 5.5%. For people with diabetes, the lower the A1C value, the better the diabetes control and the lower the risk of developing complications such as eye, heart, and kidney disease.  That may be a hard target to hit, but it is important to try because the lower your A1C, the lower your health risk.