Glucose is the body's preferred source of energy. When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. Most people have automatic physiological processes that regulate glucose, but in some cases, these processes can be disrupted. Cholesterol helps the body perform a variety of important functions, but if your cholesterol level is too high, it can increase your risk of heart disease.
Blood Glucose
Blood glucose testing is used to detect hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and diabetes. It is also used as a monitoring tool for diabetics. Blood glucose tests measure the amount of glucose in your blood at a given time and are usually performed after a period of fasting, usually eight to 10 hours. Glucose levels between 70 and 99 mg/dL are considered normal fasting glucose levels. When levels reach 100 to 125 mg/dL, they are considered prediabetic. Glucose levels of 126 mg/dL or higher are usually indicative of diabetes.
Considerations
Although high blood glucose levels usually indicate that a person is diabetic, a number of other conditions may cause your blood glucose levels to rise. Certain medications, excessive food intake, hyperthyroidism, pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis can cause increased blood glucose levels. Blood glucose levels can also rise following acute stress, which is sudden stress that may be caused by trauma, heart attack or stroke. Treatment for hyperglycemia depends on the specific cause.
Implications of Low Blood Glucose
In some cases, blood glucose levels may fall below 70 mg/dL. This condition is referred to as hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. An extended period of fasting may result in hypoglycemia, but the condition can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, liver disease, pancreatic tumors, hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, certain medications and adrenal insufficiency. Treatment for hypoglycemia depends on the specific cause.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol testing is usually done as a part of a lipid profile, which includes values for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Total cholesterol values less than 200 mg/dL are considered normal. LDL cholesterol values below 100 mg/dL are considered ideal for those who have an increased risk of heart disease, but values from 100 to 129 mg/dL are considered near optimal. HDL cholesterol is the cholesterol that is usually referred to as good cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the body. Higher HDL numbers are better than lower values. HDL values 60 mg/dL or greater are considered protective against heart disease.
Implications of High Cholesterol
When your cholesterol levels get too high, it can lead to the development of plaque on the arterial walls. This condition is referred to as atherosclerosis, and it increases your risk of developing coronary artery disease or experiencing a heart attack or stroke. If your cholesterol levels are too high, it is important to follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and engage in regular exercise. This can help lower your cholesterol levels to within normal ranges.
