Last Saturday, I went for a routine blood test at AA Pharmacy, eager to see if the statin I started back in April had effectively lowered my cholesterol. The test package from Accura Healthcare was reasonably priced at RM38 and included a lipid profile, blood glucose test, and a full blood count. On Sunday, the results arrived via WhatsApp, and I was both relieved and surprised by the findings.
Positive News on Cholesterol
The good news: my total cholesterol level has dropped significantly from 7.98 in March to 4.93 now. Clearly, the statin is working! This improvement is reassuring, and it shows that my efforts to monitor and manage my cholesterol are paying off. Despite having genetically high cholesterol (it runs in the family), statins managed to bring the level down.
Blood Glucose Check: FBS vs HbA1c
My blood glucose level was also well within range at 4.98, which is consistent with my usual Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) readings, which have always been below 5.2. This result initially made me feel at ease, but then I noticed a new marker on my report: HbA1c. For the first time, I saw an HbA1c reading, and to my surprise, it had an asterisk next to it, indicating a high result.
Curious about HbA1c, I did a quick Google search and learned some important insights. HbA1c, also called glycated hemoglobin, reflects your average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. Essentially, it measures how much glucose has attached to your red blood cells, which is why it’s often used to assess long-term glucose control.
According to health guidelines:
- An ideal HbA1c level for those with diabetes should be 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or below.
- For those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the target HbA1c level should be below 42 mmol/mol (6%).
My HbA1c reading was 6.08%, just above the threshold, which flagged me as at risk of pre-diabetes.
Getting Advice from My Cardiologist
I immediately shared my report with my cardiologist, hoping for his guidance. He confirmed that despite my good FBS reading, my HbA1c indicated that I’m at risk for pre-diabetes. He emphasized the need to cut back on sweet foods, as sugar is likely a factor driving up this average blood sugar level.
Rethinking My Diet
I’ve always followed a low-carb diet, avoiding rice, noodles, and most starchy foods, but I do indulge in cakes, biscuits, and my favorite probiotic drink, Vitagen. With this new information, I realize it’s time to take a closer look at my diet and be more mindful of sweet stuff and fruits. In fact, the memory of when I was pregnant with Alycia came to mind—my blood sugar levels had spiked due to my love for grapes. Cutting down on them and reducing sweet foods quickly brought my glucose levels back to normal, so I’m optimistic this approach will help again.
My Plan for Healthier Blood Sugar Levels
Armed with my cardiologist’s advice and a clear goal, I’m ready to cut down on sugary treats and even moderate my intake of fruits to keep my blood sugar stable. In six months, I’ll do another blood test to check my HbA1c level, hoping to see a drop back to normal levels.
This experience has reminded me of the importance of regular blood tests. Our health markers tell us more than we might assume, and even small changes, like cutting down on sugar, can make a huge difference in the long run. If you’re putting off your blood test or feel that you’ve “checked everything before,” remember that there’s always more to learn. It’s never too late to start making healthier changes!
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