[AVBC 2025] Implementation and Impact of a Non-Fasting Diabetes Panel with Direct LDL-C at NHGP
Care Process & Redesign
Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference
National Healthcare Group
27 November 2025
The initiative aimed to increase patient convenience, ensure accuracy in LDL measurement, and optimise resource utilisation. The introduction of a non-fasting diabetes panel with direct LDL measurement and LDL-M a la carte order at NHGP exemplifies.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 27 November 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Clinical Practice Improvement, Operational Management, Resource Allocation, Productivity, Cost Saving
About this Content
Aims
The initiative aimed to increase patient convenience, ensure accuracy in LDL measurement, and optimise resource utilisation, while maintaining appropriate care for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Background
Fasting blood tests for diabetes monitoring, including a calculated LDL from a full lipid panel, have long been standard practice in primary care. However, the fasting requirement can be inconvenient and may increase risk of hypoglycaemia.
Methods
A workflow revision was introduced in NHGP, supported by updated clinical guidelines and CME sessions. The new non-fasting panel is now routinely offered for yearly diabetes monitoring in patients without a history of hypertriglyceridaemia, using direct LDL measurement.
Results
As of July 2025, 17% of diabetes panels ordered were non-fasting. 72% of patients who would have had a fasting lipid panel alone ordered in-between panel tests for lipid profile monitoring were switched to non-fasting direct LDL testing.
Conclusion
The introduction of a non-fasting diabetes panel with direct LDL measurement and LDL-M a la carte order at NHGP exemplifies value-based innovation in primary care.
Lessons Learnt
The use of directly measured LDL instead of LDL calculated from a lipid panel reduces the risk of under-estimation of LDL commonly seen in local populations.
Keywords
Diabetes, LDL, Non-Fasting, Panel, Cost Savings, Workflow
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | National Healthcare Group Polyclinics |
Platform(s) | Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Endocrinology |
Project Lead(s) | Ian Koh Jan Ming |
Project Member(s) | Ian Koh Jan Ming |
Connect with this contributor!
Ian Koh Jan Ming - ian.jm.koh@nhghealth.com.sg