These three areas are categorized together because there is a connection between them. The elevated blood glucose levels associated with diabetes have been proven to cause kidney damage, as well as a number of liver disorders. Although a positive result could potentially be detected in any one of the following screenings by itself, all four screenings in this area are recommended.
Chronic Kidney Disease Screening
The primary role of the kidneys is the cleansing of blood and the transforming of waste products into urine. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by kidney damage that becomes progressively worse over time. Because damage to the kidneys is not reversible, early detection is vital in helping prevent the damage from worsening. If left undetected, CKD can lead to kidney failure (also called end-stage renal disease). At this stage, the kidneys no longer work well enough to sustain life, and the patient will not survive without regular sessions of dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Your chronic kidney disease screening with consist of a simple finger stick blood test. If the results are positive for kidney damage/kidney disease, the interventions will vary depending on the severity and cause of the damage. In most cases, lifestyle changes and new medications are recommended.
Type 2 Diabetes Screening
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to adequately remove glucose (sugar) from the blood and get it into the cells where it can be used for energy. 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 type 2 diabetes screening will consist of a simple finger stick blood test. The value we are concerned with is known as the hemoglobin A1C level. This result will provide information about your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. If your test result is indicative of diabetes, you can expect your physician to recommend dietary changes, the regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, and new medications.
Elevated Liver Enzyme Screening
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.