D. CARDIOVASCULAR & METABOLIC RISK TESTS
7. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Panel)
What it measures: A blood test measuring total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Why it's needed: People with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke, and abnormal cholesterol levels are a major, treatable contributor to that risk. Results guide decisions about statin therapy and other cardiovascular risk-reduction strategies.
How often: At diagnosis and then at least once a year; more often if lipid-lowering treatment has recently started or changed, or if levels are significantly abnormal.
8. Blood Pressure
What it measures: The force of blood against artery walls, measured as systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) pressure.
Why it's needed: High blood pressure very commonly coexists with diabetes and dramatically compounds the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. It is one of the most important, modifiable risk factors to track.
How often: At every clinic visit — this is the most frequently checked item on this list, since it can change quickly and is simple and non-invasive to measure.
9. Weight, BMI, and Waist Circumference
What it measures: Body weight, body mass index (a ratio of weight to height), and waist circumference (a marker of central/abdominal fat, which carries particular metabolic risk).
Why it's needed: Weight trends affect insulin resistance, blood sugar control, cardiovascular risk, and medication dosing, and are useful for tracking the impact of lifestyle changes or new medications (some diabetes drugs cause weight gain, others weight loss).
How often: Weight ideally at every visit; waist circumference and BMI at least every 6 to 12 months, or more often if actively working on weight management.