Ulta Lab Tests

DH-1. Diabetes Health

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.

Also known as: Chem 12, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP, SMA 12, SMA 20

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

GFR-AFRICAN AMERICAN

GFR-NON AFRICAN AMERICAN

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

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.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

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.
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The DH-1. Diabetes Health panel contains 2 tests with 22 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The DH-1 Diabetes Health panel is specifically curated to provide a foundational assessment of an individual's diabetes status and metabolic health. It includes two essential tests: the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) and the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). This panel is designed to give a snapshot of the current glucose control and the body's metabolic state, offering crucial insights for managing diabetes effectively.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: Fasting specimen is preferred

When and Why the DH-1 Diabetes Health Panel May Be Ordered

The DH-1 Diabetes Health panel is often ordered for individuals who are currently managing diabetes, whether type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. It may also be recommended for individuals showing signs of diabetes symptoms or those at high risk due to factors like obesity, family history of diabetes, or a history of gestational diabetes. The panel helps in monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes management plans and in making necessary adjustments to treatments or lifestyle interventions.

What the DH-1 Diabetes Health Panel Checks For

  1. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): The CMP offers a broad view of the body's metabolic state, including glucose levels, which are critical for diabetes management. It also assesses kidney and liver function, electrolyte and fluid balance, and provides information on blood proteins, all of which can be affected by diabetes.

  2. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): This test measures the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, providing an overview of how well blood sugar is controlled. An elevated HbA1c level can indicate that diabetes management strategies may need to be adjusted.

Getting A Deeper Understanding of Your Health

While the DH-1 Diabetes Health panel serves as a fundamental tool for assessing diabetes control, additional testing can offer a more comprehensive view of a patient's health and potential diabetes complications.

  1. DH-2 Diabetes Health Panel: This panel includes everything in DH-1 and adds a CBC with Differential and Platelets to assess overall health, a Lipid Panel to evaluate cardiovascular risk, and Random Urine Microalbumin with Creatinine to detect early signs of kidney damage.

  2. DH-3 Diabetes Health Panel: Building on DH-2, the DH-3 panel incorporates C-Reactive Protein to evaluate inflammation and cardiovascular risk, and Insulin levels to assess insulin production and its efficiency.

  3. DH-4 Diabetes Health Panel: The most comprehensive, DH-4 includes all elements of DH-3 and adds a 2 Specimen Glucose Tolerance Test and a 2 Specimen Insulin Response to Glucose to provide an in-depth assessment of glucose processing and insulin response, offering a detailed picture for managing diabetes.

Conditions Detected by the DH-1 Diabetes Health Panel

The DH-1 panel primarily focuses on diabetes management, checking for blood glucose levels through the CMP and long-term glucose control via the HbA1c. These tests are pivotal in diagnosing diabetes, monitoring the disease's progression, and evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

Utilization of DH-1 Diabetes Health Panel Results by Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals use the results from the DH-1 panel to tailor diabetes management plans to individual needs. High HbA1c levels may lead to changes in medication, dietary adjustments, or increased physical activity recommendations. Abnormal results in the CMP could necessitate further investigation into kidney or liver function and possible adjustments in diabetes care to prevent complications.

The DH-1 Diabetes Health panel plays a crucial role in the initial and ongoing management of diabetes, offering vital insights into an individual's metabolic health and glucose control. Regular monitoring through such panels is essential in the proactive management of diabetes, allowing for timely adjustments to treatment plans and lifestyle changes to optimize health outcomes and prevent complications associated with diabetes.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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