Know Your Numbers to Take Control of Your Health

Having your blood tested regularly is the only true way of knowing if you’re at risk for developing certain diseases like diabetes and heart disease. It’s also the best way to stay proactive and keep on top of your health.

Let’s review some of the most common tests and discuss what these numbers mean for your health.

Blood sugar and insulin resistance

The HbA1C test

Hemoglobin A1C (or HbA1C) is a routine blood test to measure blood sugar levels, particularly in those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. This test tells you how well you’re managing your blood sugar and if changes to your medication, diet, or physical needs are necessary:¹

• HbA1C refers to hemoglobin or the oxygen-rich cells in your blood that carry glucose.
• The HbA1C test measures average blood sugar levels over the past 8-12 weeks.
• A normal range for HbA1C is less than 5.7%.
• Diabetes is diagnosed at 6.5% or higher.
• An HbA1C of 5.7-6.4% points to an increased risk of developing diabetes in the future (also known as prediabetes).

Fasting blood glucose test

This test requires you to fast overnight before giving blood the next morning. It tests for glucose levels in your blood that point to evidence of prediabetes or diabetes.

The measurement for this test is milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood or mg/dL:

• Normal blood sugar levels = 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or less
• Prediabetes blood sugar levels = 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L)
• Diabetes blood sugar levels = 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher

If you measure in the higher range, you will have to take the fasting glucose test again on another day to confirm the first reading.

Tests for Heart and Vascular Health

Measuring blood pressure

When you have your blood pressure checked, your doctor will measure two numbers:

Systolic blood pressure: This measures the arterial pressure created by your heart when it pumps fresh blood out to your body. A measure of 120 mm Hg or less is considered normal.

Diastolic blood pressure: This measures arterial pressure from your resting heart beat after the first pump. A measure of 80 mm Hg or less is considered normal.

There are four stages of high blood pressure (hypertension)² as follows:

• Elevated blood pressure = 121-129 / 80 mm Hg or less
• High blood pressure stage 1 = 130-139 / 80-89 mm Hg
• High blood pressure stage 2 = 140+ / 90+ mm Hg
• Hypertensive crisis = 180+ / 120+ mm Hg

Blood cholesterol test

This is a fasting blood test to measure the lipid or fat profiles in your blood. It consists of four measurements:

1. Total cholesterol = the entire content of cholesterol in your blood.
2. HDL or high density lipoprotein = the level of ‘good’ cholesterol in your blood, responsible for removing excess cholesterol in your blood.
3. LDL or low density lipoprotein = the level of ‘bad’ cholesterol in your blood that leads to plaque build-up, narrow artery walls, and high blood pressure.
4. Triglycerides = the level of excess fatty deposits circulating in the blood. Triglycerides act as a source of energy, but in excess can cause weight gain.

Healthy ranges of blood lipids include:

• Total cholesterol = 200 mg/dL or less
• HDL for women = 50 mg/dL or less
• HDL for men = 40 mg/dL or less
• LDL = 70 mg/dL or less
• Triglycerides = 150 mg/dL or less³

To learn more about managing your cholesterol, check out the New Guidelines for Cholesterol Management.

Keeping up to date with your blood work and being aware of which tests and measurements you need to stay healthy is just as important as following a healthy diet and getting lots of exercise. Knowing your numbers will help you stay within the recommended parameters and recognize when it’s time to make adjustments to your lifestyle for your continued good health.

 

References

1. Mayo Clinic: Patient Care and Health Information; Diabetes.
2. American Heart Association: Understanding Blood Pressure Readings.
3. Mayo Clinic: Cholesterol test.
4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Calculate your Body Mass Index