Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm vein
- Fasting: 8–12 hours required for optimal results
- Turn-around: 1-2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health screening – Assess both cardiovascular disease risk and diabetes status in one test
- Early detection power – Identify prediabetes and heart disease risk before symptoms appear
- Cost-effective monitoring – Save up to 85% compared to traditional lab costs
- No doctor referral needed – Direct access with confidential results in 24–48 hours
- Dual timeframe insights – Track long-term glucose control (2–3 months) plus current levels
- Nationwide convenience – Walk-in testing at multiple locations with flexible scheduling
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults aged 35+ seeking routine health screening (American Diabetes Association, 2024)
- Individuals with diabetes risk factors (e.g., obesity, family history, high blood pressure)
- People monitoring existing diabetes or cardiovascular conditions
- Those with symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, or chest pain
- Health-conscious consumers wanting proactive metabolic health insights
- Anyone overweight or obese between ages 35–70 (USPSTF, 2021)
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and locate a convenient Walk-In Lab location near you
- Visit the lab - Bring valid photo ID; no appointment needed for quick blood draw
- Get results - Access confidential results in your secure online portal within 1-2 business days
FAQ
Do I need to fast before this test? Yes, fasting for 8-12 hours is recommended for accurate glucose and lipid measurements, though water is allowed during fasting.
What conditions can this test detect? This test screens for diabetes, prediabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
How often should I get this test? Every 3 years for normal results, annually if you have prediabetes, or as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Can I take my medications before testing? Continue regular medications unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider; consult them about specific concerns.
What if my results are abnormal? Abnormal results warrant consultation with a healthcare provider for proper interpretation and treatment planning.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive test evaluates your risk for two of America's most prevalent health concerns: cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The lipid panel measures cholesterol levels (total, LDL "bad," HDL "good") and triglycerides to assess heart disease risk. Meanwhile, HbA1c provides your average blood sugar over 2-3 months, while glucose shows your current blood sugar level (Mayo Clinic 2025).
With 38.4 million Americans having diabetes and 97.6 million having prediabetes—many undiagnosed—this test offers crucial early detection capabilities (CDC National Diabetes Statistics Report 2024). The combination approach is particularly valuable since diabetes significantly increases cardiovascular disease risk.
Who would benefit from this test?
The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for all adults aged 35 and older, or earlier for those with risk factors (ADA Standards 2024). You would especially benefit if you have obesity, family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or previous abnormal glucose levels.
This test is also valuable for people monitoring existing diabetes or cardiovascular conditions, those experiencing symptoms like excessive thirst or fatigue, and health-conscious individuals seeking proactive screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force specifically recommends screening for adults aged 35-70 with overweight or obesity (USPSTF 2021).
When should I order Lipid Panel + HbA1C & Glucose?
Order this test for initial screening at age 35, annually if you have diabetes or prediabetes, or every 3-5 years for cardiovascular risk assessment. Consider testing sooner if you experience symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
You should also order this test if you have risk factors like obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history of diabetes or heart disease, high blood pressure, or previous abnormal glucose or cholesterol levels. Early detection can reduce diabetes diagnosis time by a median of 2.2 years, potentially preventing complications (UK Biobank Analysis 2022).
How do I interpret the results?
HbA1c Below 5.7%
- What it means: Normal glucose levels
- Typical action: Continue healthy lifestyle, retest in 3 years
HbA1c 5.7 – 6.4%
- What it means: Prediabetes
- Typical action: Lifestyle changes, annual monitoring
HbA1c 6.5% or higher
- What it means: Diabetes
- Typical action: Immediate medical consultation needed
HbA1c testing demonstrates 78.7% sensitivity and 94.0% specificity for diabetes detection, making it highly reliable for screening (BMJ Open 2018).
For lipid results, target levels include total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, LDL <100 mg/dL, HDL >40 mg/dL (men) or >50 mg/dL (women), and triglycerides <150 mg/dL (Cleveland Clinic 2025). Fasting glucose should be <100 mg/dL, with 100-125 mg/dL indicating prediabetes and ≥126 mg/dL suggesting diabetes.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 8-12 hours before your test, drinking only water during this period. Maintain your stable diet for 2-3 weeks prior to testing for consistent results. Continue taking regular medications unless your healthcare provider directs otherwise.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing as it can affect triglyceride levels. Bring valid photo identification and your test order confirmation to the lab. The blood draw takes only a few minutes and is performed by certified phlebotomists (Harvard Health 2024).
How often should I get tested?
- Normal results, low risk – Suggested interval: Every 3–5 years
- Prediabetes diagnosed – Suggested interval: Annually
- Diabetes management – Suggested interval: Every 3–6 months
- High cardiovascular risk – Suggested interval: Annually or as directed
- Age 35+ screening – Suggested interval: Every 3 years minimum
Why early detection matters
Early detection of prediabetes and cardiovascular risk factors can prevent or delay progression to more serious conditions. Studies show that diabetes screening programs reduce healthcare costs by €889 per patient annually, with screening costs offset within 2 years through reduced complications (ADDITION-Denmark Study 2018).
Over 80% of people with prediabetes are unaware of their condition, yet early intervention through lifestyle changes can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by up to 58% (CDC 2024). Similarly, managing cholesterol levels can reduce cardiovascular events by 20-50% in at-risk individuals (Clinical trials meta-analysis 2006).
Related tests you may consider
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Test - Evaluates nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH) Blood Test- Measures TSH levels for detecting or diagnosing thyroid issues.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Blood Test, High Sensitivity, Cardiac Risk Assessment - Checks for tiny amounts of inflammation in the body to help predict the risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, even in people with normal cholesterol levels.
