Fasting Cholesterol test...

[Newtothis]

I was reading through the Diabetes UK handbook this morning and noted it said Cholesterol fasting....

I have my 3rd HbA1c blood test in March and a cholesterol test; I want to try and get the first appointment of the day - would it be worth doing this as a fasting test.. so that I get a more accurate cholesterol result OR doesn't it make a difference...

My Hba1c went down from 7.2 to 6 but my cholesterol went up from 4.8 - 5.1which is now considered slightly raised.... I'm not going to beat myself up about this because I am trying VERY HARD to lower it but if I need to go on medication for help then I'll take all the help I can..🙄

I'm continuing with the healthy eating; physical activity but am really struggling with the weight..(I hate to say this but I'm still losing weight; struggling to put weight on and am now 9 stone 6 but I'm going to look into this as I want to be at least 9stone 8 and maintain that; my healthy weight for my height is 10stone 5 but I feel and look fine so again not beating myself up about it)....

I'm just rambling now so will sign off.....Amanda x 🙂

 

[Northerner]

It's not thought that a fasting cholesterol test is necessary these days Amanda, so there's no advantage to it. They can elicit more information I believe (LDL, triglycerides? Correct me if I'm wrong!). The important factor as far as I am aware is the ratio of your HDL cholesterol to your Total Cholesterol. My Total is 4.5 - last time it was 4.8 - but my consultant sees no need for me to take statins as my ratio is very good. Exercise apparently plays a big part in getting good HDL readings, and I know you are very active so this should be helping. I believe cholesterol levels fluctuate anyway, so what was 5.1 at the time of your test may have been much lower a week later. I daresay that individuals also differ in what is the ideal cholesterol level for their own particular needs. Remember that cholesterol is NOT bad - it is essential for life and plays a part in the maintenance of every single cell in your body.

Try not to worry about it, but when you do get the test, make sure you ask for the breakdown so you are fully informed 🙂

 

[Newtothis]

It's not thought that a fasting cholesterol test is necessary these days Amanda, so there's no advantage to it. They can elicit more information I believe (LDL, triglycerides? Correct me if I'm wrong!). The important factor as far as I am aware is the ratio of your HDL cholesterol to your Total Cholesterol. My Total is 4.5 - last time it was 4.8 - but my consultant sees no need for me to take statins as my ratio is very good. Exercise apparently plays a big part in getting good HDL readings, and I know you are very active so this should be helping. I believe cholesterol levels fluctuate anyway, so what was 5.1 at the time of your test may have been much lower a week later. I daresay that individuals also differ in what is the ideal cholesterol level for their own particular needs. Remember that cholesterol is NOT bad - it is essential for life and plays a part in the maintenance of every single cell in your body.

Try not to worry about it, but when you do get the test, make sure you ask for the breakdown so you are fully informed 🙂

Thanks Alan, as you know my DN is related to the grim-reaper so when I had my last appointment she kept going on about reducing numbers; statins; heart-attack; stroke etc.. and its all spooked me As I also have a fatty liver I don't have dairy products except milk or any type of saturated fat which I understand is also a contribution to bad cholesterol - I'm in a lose-lose situation when it comes to food - because I'm trying to put weight on. I am increasing my physical activity but am worried this is contributing to my continued weight loss... grrrrr 🙄