Lab Results!

I had follow-up labs because last year I was diagnosed with "pre-diabetes" and my cholesterol levels weren't where they should be. When I got the results, I was worried (do we see a pattern here?!) that they hadn't improved enough. So, I sent an e-mail to my fabulous ME First Nurse, Valerie.

This is what I wrote to her:

Good morning Valerie! I had my labs done on Friday and got my results. I’m a tad bit disappointed-all are in the normal range and my FBS went down, but my AIC & cholesterol are actually a bit higher. My cholesterol is higher too.

Here are my results:

 Date: 3/12/10      
Glucose    96
A1C     5.5
Mean Blood Glucose    105
Cholesterol    189
Triglycerides    69
HDL    46
LDL    129

And these are the results from 7/15/09:
Glucose    117
A1C     5.4
Mean Blood Glucose    102
Cholesterol     174
Triglycerides     146
HDL     35
LDL     110




Can you help me understand all this? My diet is way better than before and I am exercising at least 5 times per week and my cholesterol is higher. Shouldn’t my HDL have gone up? I’m also a bit concerned that my A1C & Mean blood glucose went up a bit…shouldn’t it have gone down considering the changes I’ve made?
I’m super excited that my FBS went down and my triglycerides went way down!


This is her response!

Nicole,



The change you have had with your fasting blood sugars is fantastic!!! I would consider your A1C to be pretty much a wash because the results are so close and both numbers are absolutely normal.



It looks to me as though your HDL actually went up from 35 to 46, which is incredible!! That is definitely linked to your exercise. You also had a huge improvement in your triglycerides, which is proof of your dietary changes. Likely your total cholesterol had a bit of an increase in part because of the jump in the HDL. I'm not sure explaining the slight rise in your LDL except to say I wouldn't be concerned at all, because your other levels are SO good and your LDL is still okay.


I think you were reading your old results as your new ones and that was causing the confusion.


Honestly....these numbers look fabulous and reflect all the hard work you have been putting in.


Keep it up!!


If this email is only as clear as mud.....let me know and I'll try to clarify:)

Val


Yet again, I worried over nothing...ha ha. I'm glad to see these changes!

UPDATE: I wrote to Valerie to tell her that I had totally confused myself and this is her reply:

"You can remember your HDL as your "happy, healthy cholesterol" and your LDL is your "lousy cholesterol" and the triglycerides are the "terrible".



Your numbers look great!! They are blog worthy for sure:)"