Cholesterol and glucose are important aspects of your overall health. Both can be tested through a blood test with your doctor and it's best to receive this test first thing in the morning during a fasting state. If you have questions about your cholesterol and glucose, recommended levels, and testing speak with your family physician.
Cholesterol and Types
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can be produced naturally and that we receive from foods. There are both good cholesterol and bad cholesterol types. HDL is the good cholesterol because it helps keep the LDL, or bad cholesterol, from getting lodged into your artery walls, explains the American Heart Association. Eating saturated fat, trans fats and dietary cholesterol can increase the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood stream. Try increasing your HDL cholesterol by eating healthy, exercising and avoiding too many high-fat animal products. Following these guidelines can reduce the risk of heart disease and prolong the quality of life.
Recommended Cholesterol Levels
Knowing your cholesterol numbers is important for heart health. In the United States, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. According to Mayo Clinic, you'll want your total cholesterol to be less than 200 mg/dL with your LDL levels below 70 mg/dL and your HDLs above 50 to 60 mg/dL. Any difference in these numbers can predispose you to heart disease, depending on your genetics and lifestyle. Be sure to speak with your doctor about your cholesterol levels and ways to achieve or maintain recommended levels.
What Is Glucose?
When you eat, your body breaks food down into glucose and sends it into the bloodstream which is then broken down by insulin for energy. This energy is supplied to the body and brain for daily requirements. Meals, snacks, exercise, medication, alcohol and hormones can all affect blood glucose levels. People with high glucose levels are considered diabetic, and with low levels considered hypoglycemic. A simple blood test called the fasting plasma glucose test can help you determine where your glucose levels are.
Recommended Glucose Levels
According to the American Diabetes Association, a healthy blood glucose level is 70 to 100 mg/dl from the fasting plasma glucose test. Pre-diabetes is considered 100 to 125 mg/dl, and diabetes is a reading more than 125 mg/dl. A reading below 70 to 50 mg/dl is considered hypoglycemic. After meals, your blood glucose should ideally be less than 180 mg/dl. If you notice dizziness, lack of energy, hunger, fatigue or lack of appetite, be sure to speak with your doctor about your glucose levels and recommendations for a healthy lifestyle.
