The liver’s main function is the cleaning/filtering of the blood. Any impairment of liver function can quickly lead to life-threatening complications. Your screening for elevated liver enzymes will consist of a simple blood test where we will be looking for abnormally high levels of two enzymes – Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartame Aminotransferase (AST) in the blood. These enzymes find their way into the bloodstream when liver damage is present. If abnormal results are detected, you can expect your physician to begin a treatment plan consisting of lifestyle changes and/or new medications.
A1c Screening
The A1c screening is used to diagnose diabetes as well as to monitor how well current diabetes management interventions are working. Diabetes is characterized by elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. If left undetected and untreated, it can quickly lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney damage (leading to renal failure requiring a kidney transplant or dialysis), eye damage, and nerve damage (leading to non-healing wounds, infection, gangrene, and amputation). It can also lead to a serious condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition requires immediate lifesaving medical attention.
Your A1c Screening will consist of a simple blood test with the results being reported as a percentage.
The higher the percentage, the higher your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates your levels were in the diabetic range and would likely result in a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. If your test results in a diabetes diagnosis, you can expect your physician to recommend dietary changes, the regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, and new medications. Early detection/diagnosis of liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes is vitally important. Interventions must be initiated as soon as possible in order to slow or stop the progression of the disease and to minimize further damage.
Please have your screenings done as soon as possible.