Menopause Linked to Worsening Cholesterol Levels

According to recently published findings from a study of over 1,000 women, levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C (the "bad" cholesterol), and the protein that transports LDL in the blood, apolipoprotein B, increase significantly in women at the time of menopause. These lipids are all risk factors for coronary heart disease. The researchers suggest that even if women have previously had their lipid levels checked, they may need to have them rechecked within the year following their final menstrual period. For more information, click here.

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ADA recommends A1c test to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes

February 12, 2010

The American Diabetes Association recently included the A1c test among tests for detecting diabetes and pre-diabetes. The A1c test shows the average glucose level in the blood over the last two to three months and has been used to monitor glucose control in people already diagnosed with diabetes. Initially it was not recommended for diagnosis due to high test variability, but great strides have been made in standardization of this test and A1c assays are now accepted as diagnostic and screening tools.

Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Evolve for Teens, Young Women, and Seniors

December 28, 2009

New recommendations from ACOG focus on the frequency of screening tests for cervical cancer.

Some blood drives offer cardiovascular disease and diabetes screening

December 18, 2009

Blood donors typically hope to help others, but at some blood centers, donors are now benefiting from programs that screen them for CVD and diabetes risk through cholesterol and A1c blood tests, questionnaires, and basic physical exams. Such programs make blood centers partners in protecting public health and aim to motivate donors to take better care of themselves. These programs may also benefit blood centers by motivating people to be repeat donors and to ensure blood can be used for transfusion.