Before a blood lipid test, you need to fast for 9-12 hours, drink only water, avoid alcohol, tobacco, strenuous exercise, get enough sleep and inform your doctor if you are taking medication.

Gestational diabetes testing is a separate test, usually done between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy, that includes methods such as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or fasting blood sugar measurement.

Yes

Yes, blood lipid testing should be performed periodically, because it helps detect early risks of cardiovascular diseases, strokes and metabolic disorders.

Recommended frequency:

- Healthy adults: Should be tested every 1-2 years if the results are normal.

- People with risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, family history...): Should be tested every 6-12 months.

- People who are being treated for dyslipidemia: Follow your doctor's instructions, maybe every 3-6 months to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Common symptoms (if any):
- Fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness
- Headache, insomnia, memory loss
- Chest tightness, mild shortness of breath when exercising
- Pain, numbness in limbs, feeling of heaviness in limbs
- Dull skin, yellow lumps under the skin (containing cholesterol, often on the eyelids, elbows, heels, etc.)
- Weight gain, abdominal fat, especially around the waist
- High blood pressure or fatty liver detected