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Introduction

In today's healthcare world, catching health issues early and stopping them is important. The regular medical tests we do have improved over the years. They now tell us more about our health than they used to. This article talks about why it's good to pick HbA1c instead of fasting glucose tests, why a Full Abdomen Pelvis ultrasound is better than just an Upper Abdomen ultrasound, and how CT Calcium Scoring helps check how healthy our hearts are.

Fasting Glucose vs. HbA1c: What's the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

Fasting glucose testing measures the immediate sugar levels in the body after an overnight fast.


HbA1c testing measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. Hence, no fasting is required prior to health screening.

Is HbA1c testing more advantageous?

HbA1c is a valuable tool in the management of diabetes and understanding a person's blood sugar control over an extended period of time. It complements other diagnostic and monitoring methods and helps guide treatment strategies to improve health outcomes for individuals with diabetes.

Upper Abdomen Ultrasound vs. Full Abdomen Pelvis: Which Reveals More?

Upper Abdomen ultrasound focuses on liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidneys.

Full Abdomen Pelvis ultrasound examines additional organs like the prostate, urinary bladder, uterus, and ovaries.

Why is a Full Abdomen Pelvis ultrasound recommended?

It provides a comprehensive understanding of both abdominal and genito-urinary systems, aiding in the detection of various medical issues.

Understanding CT Calcium Scoring for Heart Health

CT Calcium Scoring analyses coronary arteries, assessing plaque buildup and the risk of heart disease.It helps predict the likelihood of future heart attacks and guides preventive measures.


Its varying degrees of risk is indicated through a scoring system ranging from 0 (no deposits) to >401 (high deposit).

Who should consider CT Calcium Scoring?

Individuals with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart problems are recommended to undergo this scan every five years.

Do I still to fast before my health screening appointment?

Fasting is unnecessary for health screening, as HbA1c is now a standard component of all screening packages. The exception is if you are scheduled for a full abdomen and pelvis ultrasound or an upper abdomen ultrasound, for the following reasons:

  • Reduced Bowel Gas Interference: The presence of gas in the gastrointestinal tract can interfere with the clarity of ultrasound images. When you eat, swallow air, or consume carbonated beverages, gas can accumulate in your digestive system. Fasting helps reduce the amount of gas in the intestines, leading to clearer images during the ultrasound.
  • Improved Visualization of Organs: Fasting also decreases the movement of the diaphragm and abdominal organs, which can make it easier for the ultrasound technician to obtain high-quality images. When you're not actively digesting food, your organs tend to be in a more stable position, resulting in better visualization.



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Article written by

Dr Gautham Ruhi Raj Nagarajan

Occupational Health and Health Screening Consultant

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