Managing Chronic Diseases With Lab Testing

Six in 10 adults in the United States are living with a chronic disease. Many of those diseases require routine monitoring to reduce complications and manage their conditions.

Routine lab testing through providers like Any Lab Test Now® is often the starting point for care—driving diagnosis and proper treatment for millions of patients.

Here are some of the chronic conditions that can be managed with regular lab testing.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is a condition that is responsible for one in four deaths in the United States. To effectively monitor this condition, regular testing is critical. For patients at risk of developing heart disease, routine monitoring can help keep track of a wide variety of key markers in the blood that can be used to advance preventative measures, including lifestyle changes that can ultimately reduce a patient’s risk of heart disease.

The Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel at Any Lab Test Now can be used as a baseline assessment of heart health. This panel includes the following components:

  • Cholesterol, Total – total cholesterol is used to help predict an individual’s risk of developing heart disease.
  • Triglycerides – Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body.
  • HDL Cholesterol – HDL cholesterol is often termed “good” cholesterol. The test for HDL cholesterol measures the amount of HDL in the blood.
  • LDL-Cholesterol (calculated) – LDL is considered to be undesirable and is often called “bad” cholesterol because it deposits excess cholesterol in blood vessel walls and contributes to hardening of the arteries and heart disease.
  • Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated).

Diabetes

Blood glucose testing is part of a daily protocol for the more than 30 million Americans living with diabetes. But there are certain tests diabetics cannot perform at home that are needed to properly manage the disease, which is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. 

The main diagnostic test is the hemoglobin A1c test, which can provide key information to determine if the diabetes is under control. It measures your average blood glucose, or blood sugar, level over the past three months. 

The A1c test is part of the four-part Any Lab Test Now Diabetes Maintenance Panel. Also included in this panel is:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Tests for blood disorders such as infection or anemia.
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) – Can determine how well the kidneys and liver are working, measures electrolyte levels, and the balance of acid and base in the blood. 
  • Diabetic Urinalysis will determine if albumin (protein) is found in the blood.

Thyroid Disease

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front part of your neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate many important functions in the body, including metabolism, which is linked to weight, body temperature, and energy level. Thyroid blood tests can help determine if hypothyroidism (too few thyroid hormones) or hyperthyroidism (too many) are present.

More than 20 million people in the United States have a thyroid disorder. Blood tests like the Thyroid Panel offered by Any Lab Test Now are one of the most accurate ways to manage thyroid disorders. 

Testing on a regular basis is important if:

  • You are taking medication for a thyroid disorder. Regular testing can fine-tune your treatment so that you feel better.
  • If you have a diagnosed thyroid disorder or have had previous treatment for an overactive thyroid, it is important to have a blood test every 12 months or as advised by your doctor.

Be at Ease

Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, including routine testing to better manage chronic diseases.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 190+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus pandemic. We are here to help. 

For more information about Any Lab Test Now, and the tests we offer, visit us at www.anylabtestnow.com.

Alert! Curious about Diabetes?

Nearly 6 million people are affected by diabetes and don’t even know it. If left undetected, it can be a silent killer. Your chances of heart attack, strokes, kidney problems or infections increase due to diabetes.

American Diabetes Association Alert Day® takes place on the fourth Tuesday of every March and is dedicated to bringing awareness and to encourage the public to take an online Diabetes Risk Test to determine their risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Tips and suggestions are provided after the test tailored to your results. Today, March 25th, is this years Alert Day so encourage your friends and family members to get involved!

This past Diabetes Awareness Month, we shared some alarming statistics on the disease. For a deeper look into your health, take our Diabetes Maintenance Panel specific for diabetics and for those who are curious if they might have diabetes. Remember, you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Take Control of Your Health® this Alert Day.