Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Testing: Which Medical Department to Visit

When it comes to checking blood sugar and cholesterol levels, the appropriate medical department depends on the level of the healthcare facility. In community clinics or rural hospitals, patients can visit general practice or internal medicine departments. However, in top-tier hospitals such as Class-Three hospitals, it's recommended to see specialists in endocrinology or metabolic disorders. Since blood sugar and cholesterol levels are closely related to metabolism, any abnormalities should be assessed and treated by an endocrinologist. If heart conditions like coronary artery disease are also present, patients should first seek treatment at the cardiovascular internal medicine department.

Preparation Before Blood Tests

To ensure accurate results when undergoing cholesterol testing, it's important to follow a low-fat diet for at least one week before the test. On the day of the examination, fasting is required. Similarly, for fasting blood sugar tests, patients must refrain from eating or drinking for at least 8 hours prior to the test. These precautions help ensure reliable readings for both blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Blood Sugar Levels: What's Normal?

The normal fasting blood sugar range for healthy adults is approximately 3.9–6.1 mmol/L. For glucose tolerance testing, the blood sugar level two hours after the test should be below 7.8 mmol/L. If fasting blood sugar reaches or exceeds 7.0 mmol/L, or if post-glucose test levels are 11.1 mmol/L or higher, and this is confirmed in two separate tests, there may be a risk of diabetes.

Understanding Cholesterol Abnormalities

Abnormal cholesterol levels are defined by specific thresholds: total cholesterol ≥6.2 mmol/L, triglycerides ≥2.3 mmol/L, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ≥4.1 mmol/L, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol <1.0 mmol/L. Meeting any one of these criteria indicates a lipid disorder, which may suggest the presence of hyperlipidemia. Early detection and proper management are crucial in preventing long-term health complications.