Ulta Lab Tests

Lipid and Glucose 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.

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: Cholesterol, HDL,Fasting Lipids,Cholesterol, LDL, Fasting Lipids, Lipid Panel (fasting), Lipid Profile (fasting), Lipids

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

LDL-Cholesterol

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
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The Lipid and Glucose Panel panel contains 2 tests with 7 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The Lipid and Glucose Panel is a comprehensive blood test that provides critical information about an individual’s metabolic health. It is commonly used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. By evaluating key markers related to lipid metabolism and blood sugar levels, this panel helps healthcare professionals identify potential health issues early, allowing for timely intervention and management. The panel is often ordered as part of routine health check-ups or when a patient presents with symptoms or risk factors associated with heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.

Collection Method: Blood Draw Lipid and Glucose Panel Test Blood Draw | Ulta Lab Tests
Specimen: 2 mL Serum Lipid and Glucose Panel Test Specimen Type Serum | Ulta Lab Tests

Test Preparation: Fasting required. No food or drinks other than water for at least 9 hours before collection.
Lipid and Glucose Panel Test Fasting Required. No Food Or Drinks | Ulta Lab Tests

When and Why the Lipid and Glucose Panel May Be Ordered

The Lipid and Glucose Panel is typically ordered during routine health screenings, especially for adults over the age of 20, as part of preventive care. It is also recommended for individuals with risk factors such as obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of heart disease or diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking. Additionally, the panel may be ordered if a patient exhibits symptoms of metabolic syndrome, such as elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, or abnormal cholesterol levels. For those already diagnosed with conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, this panel is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and lifestyle changes. Pregnant women may also undergo this test to screen for gestational diabetes or other metabolic changes during pregnancy.

What the Lipid and Glucose Panel Checks For

The Lipid and Glucose Panel evaluates several key biomarkers that provide insights into an individual’s metabolic and cardiovascular health. Each test within the panel serves a specific purpose and contributes to a comprehensive assessment of overall health.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood, derived from the foods we eat and produced by the liver. Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis. High levels may result from a diet high in refined carbohydrates, excessive alcohol consumption, or underlying conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Cholesterol, Total measures the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood, including both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Cholesterol is essential for building cells and producing hormones, but excessive levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

HDL Cholesterol, often referred to as "good cholesterol," helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for excretion. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, as it plays a protective role in cardiovascular health.

LDL Cholesterol, known as "bad cholesterol," is responsible for transporting cholesterol to cells and tissues. However, when levels are too high, LDL can accumulate in the arterial walls, leading to atherosclerosis and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Non-HDL Cholesterol represents the total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol. It includes all cholesterol particles that are considered atherogenic, meaning they contribute to plaque formation in arteries. This measurement provides a broader assessment of cardiovascular risk compared to LDL cholesterol alone.

Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is a calculated value that compares the total cholesterol level to the HDL cholesterol level. A higher ratio indicates a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, as it suggests a higher proportion of harmful cholesterol relative to protective cholesterol.

Glucose measures the amount of sugar in the blood and is a key indicator of how well the body is managing blood sugar levels. Elevated glucose levels may indicate prediabetes, diabetes, or insulin resistance. Consistently high glucose levels can lead to complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular problems.

How a Healthcare Professional Would Use the Results of the Lipid and Glucose Panel

Healthcare professionals use the results of the Lipid and Glucose Panel to assess a patient’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. The results provide a snapshot of the patient’s lipid profile and blood sugar levels, which can help identify abnormalities that may require further investigation or intervention. For example, high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol levels may prompt recommendations for dietary changes, increased physical activity, or medication to manage cholesterol levels. Similarly, elevated glucose levels may lead to additional testing for diabetes or prediabetes and the implementation of lifestyle modifications or medications to control blood sugar.

The panel’s results are also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment plans for patients with existing conditions. For instance, a patient with diabetes may have their glucose levels tracked over time to ensure that their treatment regimen is working effectively. Similarly, a patient on cholesterol-lowering medication may have their lipid profile monitored to assess the medication’s impact and make adjustments as needed.

The Lipid and Glucose Panel is a vital tool in modern healthcare, providing essential information about an individual’s metabolic and cardiovascular health. By evaluating key biomarkers such as triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose, this panel helps identify risk factors for serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Healthcare professionals rely on the results to guide preventive care, diagnose metabolic disorders, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment plans. Regular screening with the Lipid and Glucose Panel can play a crucial role in maintaining long-term health and preventing complications associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

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