FollowTwo Saturdays ago, I went for another routine blood test. My main goal this time was to check on my cholesterol and HbA1c readings — two important markers of my health that I’ve been closely monitoring.
I’m happy to report that there’s been some good news! My cholesterol levels, with the help of a daily 20mg statin, have dropped slightly from 4.93 to 4.84. It’s not a huge dip, but it’s still a step in the right direction. Every little bit counts when it comes to heart health!
As for my HbA1c, which measures average blood sugar over the past 3 months, it went down from 6.08 to 5.97. HbA1c of 6.0 is the threshold for pre-diabetic, so even though I’ve moved out of that danger zone, 5.97 is still a risky number. My fasting blood sugar is still good at 4.81, but now, it’s all about looking at HbA1c to monitor blood sugar. It’s a constant reminder that I need to stay disciplined, especially when it comes to sugary treats like durians and cakes. Just one sugary spree can easily push that number back up. My aim is to bring down my HbA1c reading to below 5.
Besides these two main results, there was only one asterisk (*) on my blood report this time — my Total White Cell Count was at 3.1, which is slightly low. The report indicated mild neutropenia, meaning I have a lower count of white blood cells and could be more prone to infections. According to the pharmacist and the lab staff, to help boost my white blood cell (WBC) count, I need to:
- Eat more protein, especially white meats like chicken breast and fish
- Manage my stress levels better
- Get more sleep and rest (easier said than done, but I’ll try!)
I know that recently, I’ve been cutting back on meat to manage my cholesterol, but it looks like it’s time to welcome back more lean proteins into my meals. Hello chicken breast and grilled fish!
I plan to do another blood test in a month or two to see if there’s any improvement in my WBC count. Fingers crossed that the next results will be even better.
If you haven’t done your annual or bi-annual blood test yet, let this be a gentle nudge. Blood tests are not just routine checkups — they can save lives by catching issues early before they become serious. Health is wealth, my friends!
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Good job! Which statin are you on?
I’ve been reading online that some statins can cause muscle ache or tiredness. Do you experience any of these side effects?
Hi Liv
I’m on Apo-Atorvastatin. When I first started on it last year, I was also worried about the side effects. Thank God I’m fine with it