1 Test results are not for diagnostic or treatment purposes and are not conclusive as to the absence or presence of any health condition. Recipients are encouraged to report test results to their primary care physician. Pharmacist consultation with patient does not constitute medical advice.
Cholesterol & Blood Glucose Test
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What is a full panel cholesterol and blood glucose test?
A full panel cholesterol and blood glucose test measures:
- LDL, "bad cholesterol"
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol carries cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats (lipids) to various parts of the body. A buildup of LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. Low LDL levels correspond to lower risk. - HDL, "good cholesterol"
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol carries cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats from other parts of your body to your liver. Essentially, HDL cholesterol helps lower the "bad" LDL cholesterol. Studies have shown that the higher your HDL cholesterol, the lower your risk of coronary heart disease. - Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat used to store excess energy from your diet. Like LDL cholesterol, a high amount of triglycerides can be an indicator for coronary heart disease. - Total cholesterol
LDL, HDL and Triglycerides are factored in to achieve your total cholesterol result. - Blood glucose
The amount of sugar in your blood is measured by a blood glucose test. Elevated blood glucose for long periods of time can be an indicator of health problems such as diabetes.
A full panel cholesterol and blood glucose test helps identify abnormal levels of cholesterol and/or blood glucose and helps you devise a plan to improve your health.
Who is cholesterol and blood glucose testing recommended for?
A cholesterol test is recommended for everyone at least once every five years in adults ages 20 and over.
A blood glucose test is recommended by the American Diabetes Association every three years for people with normal levels or in good health with no risk factors. Those who are overweight and/or over age 45 should talk with their doctor about whether more frequent testing is recommended. Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of diabetes. However, other tests (glucose tolerance test and fasting blood glucose test) must be used to diagnose diabetes.
The blood glucose test is also used to monitor patients who have diabetes.
People with the following factors may be at risk for Type 2 Diabetes and may want to consider having a blood glucose test done:
- Impaired glucose tolerance
- Impaired fasting glucose
- Age 45 and older
- Family history of diabetes
- Overweight
- Lack of regular exercise
- Low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides, high blood pressure
- Member of certain racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and American Indians and Alaska Natives)
- Those with gestational diabetes, or who have had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth
How do I prepare for a cholesterol and blood glucose test?
If you are taking a fasting cholesterol and blood glucose test, you should not eat or drink (other than water) for between 9 and 12 hours before the test, unless advised by your physician. A non-fasting "random" test can be done at any time of the day, but results depend on what you drink or eat before the test, as well as your activity.
Cholesterol and Blood Glucose Tests are available at Walgreens Pharmacy for patients 18 and over.1
If you believe you have a medical emergency, please call 911.
This publication should be used for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this publication.