those with diabetes and those at risk for the condition. While diabetesis a chronic disease, it can be prevented, controlled and managed through appropriate care. It’s estimated that about 24 million Americans have diabetes and that number continues to grow. With the help of lab testing, such patients can maintain normal blood sugar levels and gain, on average, five more yearsoflife, eight more years of eyesight, and six more years of freedom from kidney disease. Blood glucose and other tests provide physicians with the critical information they need to begin treatment or to suggest changes in diet or lifestyle. This is critical in keeping blood glucoselevels in a safe and appropriate range. In addition, the hemoglobin Alc test (also called the HbA1c) provides an average of a person’s blood sugar levels over an eightto 12-week period. This lets patients and doctors know that treatments are working. Lab tests can also alert physicians to the complications that can accompanydiabetes. For example: Cholesterol tests identify early signs of cardiovascular disease—enabling treatment to Timely laboratory testing can help those with diabetes maintain normal blood sugarlevels, avoid complications, and live longer, healthierlives. reduce the chances of heart attack or stroke. Kidney tests can prevent or delay kidney failure by enabling physicians to begin early treatment for diabetic kidney disease. Liver tests can help detect whether medications often used to treat diabetes are causing liver damage. As a result, a physician may decide to change the dose prescribed or suggest a new medication. To learn more, visit www. labresultsforlife.org.
