What does the PPBS level in my cholesterol test indicate?
Patient: I am 56 years old male and working as an executive in a company and having physique of medium built.  My  fasting blood sugar level is  148 mg/dL and PPBS level is 207ml/dL. Cholesterol is 245mg/dL. The above lab result is based on the test carried out on 15.07.2012.Please advise the treatment required for the above Doctor: Hello!Thank you for asking on HCM!I read your question carefully and understand your concern. Your blood glucose test (post postprandial and fasting) indicate a low tolerance towards glucose and probable diabetes. I recommend consulting with the GP for a careful physical examination, a resting ECG and some lab tests : - HbA1c (which indicates the mean blood glucose values during the last 3 months)- kidney and liver function tests- thyroid hormone levels- blood electrolytes,- urine analysis,  etc. An endocrinologist consult is needed to start the proper therapy, besides diet modifications (diabetic diet) and physical exercise (including loss of weight). Regarding your cholesterol levels, I would recommend performing also HDL, LDL and triglycerides levels. You should know that total cholesterol is not a pure indicator of cardio vascular riks. The most important indicator of cardio vascular risk would be Total cholesterol/ HDL ratio (and decide if you need any therapy).The increased cholesterol levels may be related also to the diabetes, but some lifestyle modifications (diet, physical activity and weight loss) are helpful, besides possible need of statins. Hope to have been helpful!Best wishes, Dr. Iliri