Lab Metrics for Metabolic Health

Today we’re going to discuss the most important markers I look at when I’m evaluating a client for overall metabolic health.

A few instructions I recommend for clients before getting their blood drawn:

I always recommend the testing be done in a fasted state, ideally 12-14 hours. This generally means you want the draw done in the morning. You do want to be well hydrated the day before and the day of the draw, but don’t have anything other than water the day of the draw.
Do not do any strenuous exercise for a day or two before the blood draw. The normal muscle breakdown that occurs with exercise can alter some of the results related to liver enzymes.
Some medications and supplements may need to be avoided prior to the draw as they can alter various markers. It’s always best to find out ahead of time if you take anything that needs to be adjusted. B-vitamins for instance, especially biotin, can alter thyroid marker results. Some may need to be skipped for up to a week, so ask early.
Do not have your blood drawn on a particularly stressful day or if you are feeling under the weather. Reschedule when things are back to normal.

I run a very comprehensive panel, so I’m not going to discuss every marker I look at, but the top 10 I look at related to metabolic health. I’m going to run through this list of markers, but I also want you to know we don’t ever hyperfocus on any one marker. We look at combinations of markers and overall patterns. Lots of things can throw off a single marker, so it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a problem.

Fasting glucose: Ideally we want this number to be 70-90 mg/dl.
Fasting insulin: Ideally we want this number to be between 2-6 uU/mL.
Hemoglobin A1c: ideally we want this between 4.1-5.3%.
Triglycerides: ideally we want this between 50-100 mg/dL.
HDL: ideally we want this number to be 55-75 mg/dL in males, 65-85 mg/dL in females.
Uric Acid: ideally we want this level to be between 3-5.5 mg/dL in females, 3.5-5.9 mg/dL in males.
LDH: ideally we want this between 140-200 U/L.
AST: ideally we want this between 9-21 U/L in females, 12-26U/L in males.
ALT: ideally we want these levels between 10-19 U/L in females, 13-22 U/L in males.
GGT: ideally we want this between 10-24 U/L.

We will combine the results of these markers with the rest of the markers evaluating kidney, thyroid, iron status, blood cell health, immune system, etc in addition to your symptoms, medications, and overall health. All combined, this informs us on the direction to take your personal protocol for nutrition, lifestyle, and supplements or medications. I don’t personally deal with the medication side. Your medical provider should be included in any changes you’re making.

Questions about these markers? Email me (andrea@healthylifewithandrea.com).

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