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Overview Overview Which lab tests do I need for metabolic health?

Which lab tests do I need for metabolic health?

Diabetes
8/30/2021    |    0 min read

These are foundational tests you’ll see ordered most often.  They are all performed with a simple blood draw.

HbA1c (aka hemoglobin A1c or A1c)

What is it? Your HbA1c estimates your average blood sugar over the past two to three months.  Red blood cells have a protein called hemoglobin that attracts sugar molecules.  When your blood sugar is higher, more sugar will stick to these cells.

Frequency: Your Care Team will often check your A1c at the start of the program to screen for conditions like prediabetes or diabetes. If you already live with diabetes, this lab will likely be checked every three months, or at least twice a year, to ensure you are reaching your target.

Ranges: The general recommendation for people with diabetes is an A1c target of 7% or less, but your Care Team will help create a target specific for you. For people without diabetes, a target range is below 5.7%.

What does your result tell you?  Your A1c helps you and your team determine if you may be at risk for prediabetes or diabetes. If it comes back above your target, your team can make lifestyle recommendations or consider medications if that’s the right choice.

What is it? A cholesterol panel (which includes total, LDL, and HDL) measures the amount found in your blood.  Low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, is the cholesterol that contributes to the risk of heart disease.  High-density lipoproteins, or HDL, is the cholesterol that protects you from cardiovascular disease.  And total cholesterol measures all the types together.

Triglycerides are also a type of fat found in your bloodstream.  High triglycerides are associated with heart attacks, stroke, or liver disease.

Frequency:  Every 1-2 years, but this again depends on your individual plan and medications you may be taking.

Ranges: Optimal values depend on your needs and if you are taking medications like statins to lower your cholesterol.  However, these are the general guidelines:

  • Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL.
  • HDL: Above 40 mg/dL.
  • LDL: Less than 100 mg/dL
  • Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL.

What does the result tell you?  Since you can’t usually feel if you have high lipids, it’s essential to monitor these results.  If these labs come back outside of your target range, your care team can help you make adjustments to reduce your risk.

Kidney function (BUN, Cr, and GFR)

What is it? Kidney function tests measure how well your kidneys are working. Elevated blood sugar, blood pressure and high body weight can impact kidney function because it affects small kidney's blood vessels.

Frequency:  If you don’t have any signs of kidney damage, these labs are usually drawn annually.  If there’s any indication that your kidney function is changing, your doctor may check this more often.

Ranges: Target values vary based on age, ethnicity, and biological sex, so check with your doctor for your optimal range.

What does the result tell you? Monitoring your kidneys is like lipids because you can have early damage without noticing it.  Catching any early signs of kidney damage can stop disease progression.

Where can I get tested, and how much will it cost?

There are multiple ways to get bloodwork done, including testing at the doctor’s office or a lab near you. If you have insurance, it can often cover at least part of the testing.

But sometimes, there just isn’t a nearby lab. You may not have insurance, or you simply can’t take time off work.  Luckily there are options for blood tests at home.  At-home lab tests allow you to purchase online and ship them right to your door so you can complete the blood test at home on your own schedule.  Even better, these tests are often affordable, even without insurance.

Since regular screening and monitoring keep you healthy and on top of your metabolic health, ensuring access to the tests is critical. Interested in learning more about at-home lab tests in the privacy and ease of your own home?  Learn more about how 9amHealth can make it easy for you to stay on top of your diabetes care.

About the author

Caitlin Beale is a registered dietitian nutritionist and freelance health writer based out of Northern California. She’s worked for over ten years as a dietitian in acute care, private practice, education, and community nutrition. Caitlin loves translating complicated science-based information into fun-to-read content that is accessible to anyone.

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