The Diabetes Awareness Biomarker Panel includes:
Vitamin D:
Blood Sugar Connection: Adequate levels of Vitamin D are essential for effective insulin function, which plays a direct role in how your body processes sugar. A deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to decreased insulin sensitivity, making it a key player in managing blood sugar levels and preventing insulin resistance.
Glucose:
Blood Sugar Connection: The most direct measurement of blood sugar, glucose testing reveals immediate issues in sugar management and is pivotal for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. Regular checks help track how well your dietary and lifestyle changes are maintaining optimal blood sugar levels.
Insulin:
Blood Sugar Connection: Insulin is vital for regulating blood sugar by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Testing for insulin levels can show if your body is producing an appropriate amount or if insulin resistance is developing, which is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c):
Blood Sugar Connection: HbA1c levels provide a long-term view of your average blood sugar control, offering insights into how well your body manages glucose over a period of months. This test is crucial for adjusting treatment plans and understanding if your current management strategies are effective.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP):
Blood Sugar Connection: Elevated hs-CRP levels indicate inflammation, which can be both a result and a cause of blood sugar imbalances. Chronic inflammation can lead to insulin resistance, thus closely linking hs-CRP with blood sugar issues.
Basic Lipid Panel:
Blood Sugar Connection: Blood sugar problems can often lead to changes in your lipid profile. For instance, diabetes can cause higher triglyceride and low HDL cholesterol levels, which are important markers of cardiovascular health and metabolic issues. Managing these levels is crucial for overall diabetes care.