Diabetes Profile Mini Test

Regular testing for sugar levels does not give an idea about how the other systems are affected due to diabetes mellitus. Diabetes profile is therefore recommended for these patients to check the other blood parameters as well. This is by:

• Total cholesterol levels measured help us understand the status of blood vessels and the risk of atherosclerosis (blood vessel wall thickening)
• Microalbumin/creatinine ratio helps us understand how well the kidneys are functioning. 
• The Fasting blood sugar(FBS) levels and the HbA1c helps to measure the glucose component in the blood and how well the diabetes is controlled.

The test is recommended to be done periodically as per the doctor's advise to understand the disease progression.

This diagnostic test is done to measure the average blood glucose over the last 3 months, level of cholesterol, and urine composition.

Diabetic profile test is a comprehensive test profile measuring 4 parameters: glucose fasting ( fasting sugar levels), HbA1c ( average blood sugar over 3 months), and total cholesterol levels in blood, and the ratio of microalbumin/creatinine levels in the urine. 

Diabetic profile test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. Urine sample is collected to measure microalbumin/creatinine levels. 

The tests require a blood sample to be drawn. The lab technician ties an elastic band around the upper arm. Then, one must make a fist to allow better blood flow and ease the drawing of blood. An antiseptic is applied and the arm is tapped to find an appropriate vein. A disinfected needle is then inserted into the vein and the blood is collected in a vacutainer to be sent for testing. Patients will be given a small container for the urine sample.

HbA1C levels of > 6.5% are classified as diabetics. In known diabetics following values can be considered as a tool for monitoring the glycaemic control.
Excellent Control - 6 to 7 %, 
 Fair to Good Control - 7 to 8 %, 
 Unsatisfactory Control - 8 to 10 % 
 and Poor Control - More than 10 % 
Patients with poorly controlled diabetes are considered at risk for affecting the other systems. 
High FBS  mean the diabetes needs to be controlled either with certain lifestyle modifications or by adjusting the dosage of antidiabetics. 
High Cholesterol levels (≥240 mg/dL) may lead to thickening or clogging of the blood vessels impairing the blood supply. This may increase the risk of heart diseases and stroke. 
High microalbumin/creatinine ratio (>30) in urine indicate problems in the functioning of the kidneys. Based on the levels it is classified as microalbuminuria (30-300) and clinical albuminuria (>300)

For the fasting blood sugar (FBS) test, a fasting period of 8-12 hours is recommended, while the glucose postprandial test (Glucose PP) needs to be done 2 hours after the start of the meal

For triglycerides,

• • Normal: under 150 mg/dl
  • Borderline high: 151–199 mg/dl
  • High: over 200 mg/dl
  • Very high: over 500 mg/dl

For glycated Hb1Ac:

• • Excellent Control - 6 to 7%,
  • Fair to Good Control - 7 to 8%,
  • Unsatisfactory Control - 8 to 10%,
  • Poor Control - More than 10%

For glucose fasting,

• • Normal: 99 mg/dL or lower
  • Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher

For urine creatinine,

The following tests are often ordered along with the mini profile:

• Vitamin D (25-OH)
• Thyroid profile Total
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Liver Function Test
• Vitamin B12
• Kidney Function Test

References:

1. https://www.1mg.com/labs/test/diabetes-package-1394
2. https://factdr.com/diagnostics/procedures/diabetic-profile/

Sugar Profile

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)

Cholesterol

Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1C)

Microalbumin/ Creatinine ratio