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Lab tests · members guide

Your blood work, line by line

by Joe Miller

What each line on your lab report measures and the typical adult range. Use the range printed on your own report, since each lab sets its own, and let your doctor put the results in context.

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What's inside

Key numbers from a checkupTestHealthyWatchHigh / treatA1C (3-month blood sugar)Under 5.7%5.7 to 6.4%: prediabetes6.5% or higher: diabetesFasting blood sugar70 to 99100 to 125: prediabetes126 or higher: diabetesLDL ("bad") cholesterolUnder 100130 to 159: borderline high160 or higher: highHDL ("good") cholesterol60 or higher: protectiveUnder 40 (men) / 50 (women): lowTriglyceridesUnder 150150 to 199: borderline200 or higher: highBMI18.5 to 24.925 to 29.9: overweight30 or higher: obesityUnits: blood sugar and cholesterol in mg/dL. Ranges vary a little by lab and by your health history.
The numbers that sort normal, prediabetes and diabetes.

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