Ulta Lab Tests

Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment

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: Microalbumin Random Urine with Creatinine

Creatinine, Random Urine

Microalbumin

Microalbumin/Creatinine

Also known as: BUNCreatinine Ratio

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.

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.

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: 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.

Also known as: Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, VLDL, VLDL-C

Cholesterol, Very Low

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 Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment panel contains 4 tests with 16 biomarkers .

Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment

The Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment is a comprehensive panel designed to evaluate the health risks and complications associated with diabetes. Diabetes can lead to a range of comorbid conditions, including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic abnormalities. This panel assesses key biomarkers related to kidney function, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular health, providing valuable insights into a patient’s overall metabolic status. By identifying early signs of diabetes-related complications, this test helps healthcare providers implement preventive measures and optimize treatment plans to reduce long-term health risks.

When and Why the Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment May Be Ordered

Healthcare providers may order the Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment for individuals diagnosed with diabetes or those at high risk of developing the condition. This test is commonly used for routine monitoring of patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes to detect complications early and guide treatment decisions. It may also be recommended for individuals with symptoms of diabetic nephropathy, such as swelling in the legs or persistent protein in the urine, or those with signs of cardiovascular disease, including high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Additionally, this panel is useful for patients with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

What the Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment Checks For

The Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment evaluates several biomarkers that provide insight into kidney function, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular risk. Each test in the panel helps detect potential diabetes-related complications and guides appropriate management strategies.

Kidney Function and Diabetic Nephropathy Risk

Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease, and early detection of kidney dysfunction is crucial for preventing progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This panel includes tests that measure creatinine levels in both the blood and urine, assess albumin excretion, and calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). These markers help determine how well the kidneys are filtering waste and whether there is early damage to the renal system.

Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

Diabetes is strongly associated with dyslipidemia, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This panel measures total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol to assess lipid balance. It also includes very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, which plays a role in triglyceride transport. Understanding these values helps evaluate a patient’s risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio for Early Kidney Damage Detection

The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) is a critical marker for detecting early diabetic nephropathy. Elevated UACR levels indicate abnormal protein leakage in the urine, suggesting kidney damage. This test is particularly important for monitoring kidney health in patients with longstanding diabetes.

Conditions and Diseases the Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment Can Detect

This assessment helps identify several conditions that commonly affect individuals with diabetes. Early detection allows for targeted interventions to prevent complications and improve health outcomes.

Diabetic Nephropathy (Diabetic Kidney Disease)

Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive kidney disease caused by long-term diabetes. It is characterized by elevated creatinine levels, reduced eGFR, and increased albumin excretion in the urine. The Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment helps detect early kidney damage before significant loss of function occurs, allowing for early intervention to slow disease progression.

Dyslipidemia and Atherosclerosis

Dyslipidemia is a common condition in diabetic patients, marked by abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. High LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol contribute to the formation of arterial plaques, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. This panel helps identify lipid imbalances that require dietary changes, medication, or other interventions.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease can develop as a result of long-term diabetes, leading to a decline in kidney function. Elevated creatinine, decreased eGFR, and a high urine albumin/creatinine ratio are indicators of CKD. Identifying kidney impairment early can help slow disease progression and prevent the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Patients with diabetes are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to the impact of high blood sugar on blood vessels. Elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, and VLDL levels contribute to arterial plaque buildup, leading to heart disease, hypertension, and strokes. This panel provides a comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors.

How Healthcare Professionals Use the Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment in Treatment and Monitoring

Healthcare providers use this panel’s results to diagnose complications, guide treatment plans, and monitor disease progression in patients with diabetes.

Managing Diabetic Nephropathy

If early kidney damage is detected, healthcare providers may recommend stricter blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and medications such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to protect kidney function. Regular monitoring helps track kidney health over time.

Addressing Dyslipidemia and Reducing Cardiovascular Risk

If lipid imbalances are detected, providers may recommend dietary modifications, increased physical activity, or lipid-lowering medications such as statins. Regular lipid monitoring helps prevent cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.

Slowing Chronic Kidney Disease Progression

For patients with CKD, healthcare providers focus on preserving kidney function through lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, and monitoring key renal markers. Managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels is critical in slowing disease progression.

Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

If a patient is found to be at high cardiovascular risk, treatment strategies may include cholesterol-lowering therapy, antihypertensive medications, and lifestyle changes. Managing lipid levels reduces the likelihood of heart disease and stroke in diabetic individuals.

Conclusion

The Diabetes Comorbidity Assessment is a critical tool for evaluating the complications associated with diabetes, including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. By assessing kidney function, lipid profiles, and cardiovascular risk factors, this panel provides valuable insights that help healthcare providers detect early signs of diabetes-related complications, guide treatment strategies, and improve long-term health outcomes. Regular monitoring with this test ensures timely interventions, reducing the risk of severe complications and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.

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