Cholesterol & Diabetes Screening
Cholesterol and Diabetes Screening
High cholesterol and diabetes can be stealthy conditions; they often present no early signs or symptoms that can be detected without a blood test. Left unaddressed, both high cholesterol and diabetes can lead to serious health problems.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a wax-like substance found in your blood’s lipids. You need some cholesterol for your body to function properly. Too much, however, can lead to:
- Clogged arteries
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
Individuals who have a normal risk of cardiovascular disease should begin screening by around age 20. It is recommended that normal-risk individuals get tested every five years.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which your pancreas does not produce enough of the hormone, insulin, to adequately regulate the conversion of glucose (sugar) into energy in the body’s cells. As a result, sugar remains in the bloodstream, elevating blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes occurs early in childhood, and most who have it are aware. Type 2 diabetes, however, develops later in life. Living with untreated diabetes has serious consequences, including:
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage and failure
- Neuropathy
- Cardiovascular disease
- Vision loss
- Glaucoma
- Hearing impairment
Diabetes and Cholesterol Management with Gulf Coast Health Center
A simple blood test reveals the amount of cholesterol and sugar in the blood, which allows your doctor to detect signs of both diabetes and high cholesterol.
If diagnosed with diabetes or high cholesterol, your physician will work with you to devise a comprehensive treatment plan to manage your blood sugar levels and/or your cholesterol. Your unique treatment plan and wellness guidelines will vary depending on your health goals, personal medical history, specific condition and its severity.
Diabetes and high cholesterol can sometimes both be effectively managed with lifestyle adjustments, such as disease education, nutritional counseling, eating a proper diet and getting regular exercise. More serious or advanced cases, might require prescription medications, such as insulin to control blood sugar or statins to address high cholesterol.
Schedule a Diabetes and Cholesterol Screening Today
High levels of cholesterol in the blood and early cases of type 2 diabetes often present no initial symptoms, meaning without proper screening, these conditions can progress and damage your overall health before you even realize they are there. If you are concerned about your cholesterol or blood sugar levels, we encourage you to schedule a screening at one of Gulf Coast Health Center’s five convenient locations today.
