Why a Health Check is Essential for Metabolic Health
We all know that our metabolic health plays an important role in overall well-being. It affects everything from energy levels to heart function. Many serious conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol, develop silently. By the time symptoms appear, significant damage may have already occurred. Before it’s too late, a routine health check helps detect these issues, allowing for timely treatment and lifestyle changes.
At Premier Private GP in Surrey, we offer a Cholesterol & Diabetes Test that provides insights into your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This comprehensive screening can help determine your risk for heart disease, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders.
How Diabetes and Cholesterol Affect Your Health
Uncontrolled diabetes and cholesterol can lead to serious complications. High blood sugar damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. High cholesterol levels contribute to plaque buildup in arteries that leads to heart attacks and strokes.
Most of the time many people are unaware of their condition because the early signs of diabetesand high cholesterol are subtle. Regular testing is the best way to monitor your metabolic health and take preventive action before major damage occurs.
Why is a Health Check Important
A health check focusing on diabetes and cholesterol helps detect potential issues before they become severe. High cholesterol and abnormal blood sugar levels can increase the risk of:
● Heart disease and strokes
● Type 2 diabetes and complications
● Insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes
● High blood pressure and kidney issues
Many of these conditions develop silently, which is why testing is key to prevention.
How Do You Know If You Need a Diabetes & Cholesterol Test?
ou might not experience symptoms in the early stages, but here are some early signs of diabetes and high cholesterol:
Early Signs of Diabetes:
● Frequent thirst and urination
● Unexplained weight loss
● Constant fatigue
● Blurry vision
● Slow healing of cuts or wounds
Signs of High Cholesterol:
● Chest pain or discomfort
● Yellowish deposits around the eyes (xanthelasma)
● Numbness in extremities
● High blood pressure
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule a health check at Premier Private GP in Surrey.
What’s Included in a Diabetes & Cholesterol Health Check?
We provide a complete diabetes and cholesterol screening which includes:
1. Cholesterol Blood Test (Lipid Profile)
This test measures your levels of:
● LDL (“bad” cholesterol) – High levels can increase heart disease risk.
● HDL (“good” cholesterol) – Helps remove bad cholesterol from your bloodstream.
● Triglycerides – High levels can be linked to diabetes and obesity.
Tip: Make sure to drink lots of water before your cholesterol test to help improve accuracy.
2. HbA1c Test for Diabetes
Unlike a simple blood sugar test, this measures long-term blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, helping detect prediabetes and diabetes.
3. Insulin Resistance Test
If you have risk factors for diabetes, an insulin resistance test can help determine if your body is struggling to use insulin effectively.
Normal Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
Normal Blood Sugar Levels:
● Fasting blood sugar: 70-99 mg/dL
● After eating (post-meal): Below 140 mg/dL
● HbA1c: Below 5.7%
If your HbA1c is 5.7% to 6.4%, you might have prediabetes—a warning sign that your body is struggling to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Healthy Cholesterol Levels:
● LDL (“bad” cholesterol): Less than 100 mg/dL
● HDL (“good” cholesterol): 40 mg/dL or higher
● Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL
Abnormal results can indicate a need for lifestyle changes or medical intervention.
Who Should Get a Metabolic Health Check?
A health check is essential for individuals who:
● Have a family history of diabetes and cholesterol issues
● Are overweight or have high blood pressure
● Experience symptoms of insulin resistance
● Have a sedentary lifestyle or poor diet
● Are over 40 and want to monitor their metabolic health
Early detection is key! The sooner you identify issues, the easier they are to manage.
Preparing for a Metabolic Health Check
Before taking your diabetes and cholesterol test, it’s important to follow some simple steps for accurate results. Fasting for 8–12 hours may be required, especially for the cholesterol blood test. Staying hydrated is essential, so make sure to drink lots of water before your cholesterol test to make blood collection easier.
If you’re on any medication, inform your doctor in advance. Some medications can influence blood sugar and cholesterol readings, and your GP may advise temporary adjustments.
What Happens After the Test?
Once your results are available, our private GP at Premier Private GP will review them with you. If your cholesterol blood test indicates high LDL or triglycerides, your doctor may recommend dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, or medication if necessary.
For those with elevated blood sugar levels, further investigation may be required to determine whether you are at risk of diabetes. If the insulin resistance test suggests prediabetes, lifestyle changes such as improved diet and exercise can help prevent it from progressing to type 2 diabetes.
How Can You Improve Your Metabolic Health?
If your results indicate high cholesterol or blood sugar levels, lifestyle changes can help:
1. Healthy Diet:
Reduce saturated fats, eat more fiber, and focus on whole foods.
2. Regular Exercise:
Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days.
3. Hydration:
Drink lots of water before a cholesterol test and throughout the day to support metabolism.
4. Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol:
Both can negatively impact cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
For personalised guidance, book a private GP consultation at Premier Private GP.
Final Thoughts
Your health check isn’t just about getting test results, it’s about preventing serious conditions and living your healthiest life. Whether you’re monitoring normal blood sugar levels, concerned about diabetes and cholesterol, or experiencing early signs of diabetes, our team at Premier Private GP is here to help. We provide comprehensive health screenings to help you take charge of your metabolic health. Our Cholesterol & Diabetes Test includes a full blood count, lipid profile, and HbA1c test.
The best investment is in your long-term health. Don’t wait and book now!
