I went to a new doctor for a routine check-up before flying out of town for a brief vacation after my home blood pressure machine showed an elevated BP of 142/80. During the exam, he suggested I have a few blood tests and ordered some lab work. Included in the tests were those for cholesterol and blood glucose.
As the appointment was given at the last minute, I did not fast…nor was I advised to fast. However, just a few hours prior to the tests, I ate my regular breakfast of oatmeal (porridge) sweetened with honey and a few raisins. This was followed with a banana, a kiwi fruit, a few dates and a few almonds and a mug of unsweetened frothy coffee latte.
My results came back showing my cholesterol to be slightly raised, and my blood glucose, he said, showed I am pre-diabetic.
I am a 66 years old male. I am fit, don’t smoke, don’t drink and don’t use any drugs. I am not on any sort of medication and I exercise on a regular basis. Since coming to the USA two years ago to marry a great southern cook, I have added 20+ pounds.
How does not fasting before these blood tests affect the results? Are the tests still valid? Do I need to take them again following an 8 to 10 hour fast?
Any advice will be very well received.