Ulta Lab Tests

Diabetes Monitoring Panel

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Adiponectin

Also known as: C-Terminal Insulin, Connecting peptide insulin, CPeptide, Insulin C-peptide, Proinsulin C-peptide

C-Peptide

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood. The amount of ferritin in your blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body.

Fructosamine

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Also known as: A1c, Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycohemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, HA1c, HbA1c, Hemoglobin A1c, Hemoglobin A1c HgbA1C, Hgb A1c

Hemoglobin A1c

The A1c test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months. It does this by measuring the concentration of glycated (also often called glycosylated) hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transporting protein found inside red blood cells (RBCs). There are several types of normal hemoglobin, but the predominant form – about 95-98% – is hemoglobin A. As glucose circulates in the blood, some of it spontaneously binds to hemoglobin A. The hemoglobin molecules with attached glucose are called glycated hemoglobin. The higher the concentration of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed. Once the glucose binds to the hemoglobin, it remains there for the life of the red blood cell – normally about 120 days. The predominant form of glycated hemoglobin is referred to as HbA1c or A1c. A1c is produced on a daily basis and slowly cleared from the blood as older RBCs die and younger RBCs (with non-glycated hemoglobin) take their place. This test is used to monitor treatment in someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to evaluate how well their glucose levels have been controlled by treatment over time. This test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes or risk of developing diabetes. In 2010, clinical practice guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) stated that A1c may be added to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as an option for diabetes screening and diagnosis. For monitoring purposes, an A1c of less than 7% indicates good glucose control and a lower risk of diabetic complications for the majority of diabetics. However, in 2012, the ADA and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) issued a position statement recommending that the management of glucose control in type 2 diabetes be more "patient-centered." Data from recent studies have shown that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause complications and that people with risk of severe hypoglycemia, underlying health conditions, complications, and a limited life expectancy do not necessarily benefit from having a stringent goal of less than 7% for their A1c. The statement recommends that people work closely with their doctor to select a goal that reflects each person's individual health status and that balances risks and benefits.

Also known as: Insulin (fasting)

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. It is vital for the transportation and storage of glucose at the cellular level, helps regulate blood glucose levels, and has a role in lipid metabolism. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, insulin is released to allow glucose to move into tissue cells, especially muscle and adipose (fat) cells, where is it is used for energy production. Insulin then prompts the liver to either store the remaining excess blood glucose as glycogen for short-term energy storage and/or to use it to produce fatty acids. The fatty acids are eventually used by adipose tissue to synthesize triglycerides to form the basis of a longer term, more concentrated form of energy storage. Without insulin, glucose cannot reach most of the body's cells. Without glucose, the cells starve and blood glucose levels rise to unhealthy levels. This can cause disturbances in normal metabolic processes that result in various disorders, including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and vision and neurological problems. Thus, diabetes, a disorder associated with decreased insulin effects, is eventually a life-threatening condition.

Also known as: Microalbumin 24Hour Urine with Creatinine

Creatinine, 24 Hour Urine

Microalbumin, 24 Hour Ur

*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Diabetes Monitoring Panel panel contains 8 tests with 9 biomarkers .

Diabetes Monitoring Panel from Ulta Lab Tests

Managing diabetes effectively requires precise and regular monitoring to prevent complications and optimize treatment plans. The Diabetes Monitoring Panel offered by Ulta Lab Tests is specifically designed to evaluate key biomarkers critical for the ongoing surveillance of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This panel helps in the early detection of diabetic conditions, monitoring of glucose levels, and assessment of complications, providing a comprehensive overview of a diabetic patient’s health.

Detailed Test Descriptions

  • Adiponectin: This protein hormone regulates glucose levels as well as fatty acid breakdown. Low levels of adiponectin are associated with insulin resistance and can thus serve as an early marker for diabetes risk.
  • Ferritin: High ferritin levels are often found in individuals with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Monitoring ferritin can be crucial in understanding the risk of developing diabetes and managing existing conditions.
  • Fructosamine: This test measures average blood glucose levels over the past two to three weeks, providing a quicker assessment window than HgbA1c. It is particularly useful for evaluating the effectiveness of changes to diabetes medication or diet.
  • Glucose: A fundamental test for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, this test measures the immediate level of glucose in the blood, offering a snapshot of a patient’s current glucose status.
  • Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c): This test provides a long-term view of average blood sugar control over a period of two to three months, helping to predict diabetes complications and assess how well the current treatment plan is working.
  • Insulin: This test measures the amount of insulin in the blood. Monitoring insulin levels is essential for understanding insulin production by the pancreas and helping distinguish between different types of diabetes.
  • C-Peptide: Reflecting insulin production levels, C-Peptide testing can help evaluate pancreatic function, crucial for determining the type of diabetes and the degree of insulin deficiency.
  • Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio (Urine): This ratio is a critical marker for kidney function, detecting early signs of kidney damage (nephropathy) in diabetic patients, which is a common complication of the disease.

Recognizable Symptoms of Diabetes

  • Increased thirst and frequent urination
  • Extreme hunger
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
  • Areas of darkened skin, typically in the armpits and neck

Benefits of Using Ulta Lab Tests

Choosing Ulta Lab Tests for diabetes monitoring offers several advantages:

  • Ease of Access: Easily order tests online without the need for a doctor’s visit.
  • Affordable Prices: Competitive pricing and frequent promotions make managing diabetes more cost-effective.
  • Speed and Efficiency: Quick processing times mean that you get your results faster, allowing for prompt adjustments to treatment if necessary.
  • Confidentiality and Security: Test results are confidential and securely accessible online, ensuring privacy.

Summary

The Diabetes Monitoring Panel from Ulta Lab Tests is a vital tool for anyone managing diabetes. It enables early detection of potential complications, effective monitoring of glucose levels and metabolic health, and provides essential data to optimize treatment strategies. By utilizing this comprehensive panel, individuals can maintain better control over their diabetes, enhance their quality of life, and potentially reduce healthcare costs through effective disease management.

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