Metabolic Health
This category is a vital section dedicated to providing insights into the complex and multifaceted aspects of metabolic health. Metabolism, the process by which our bodies convert what we eat and drink into energy, is a fundamental aspect of our overall health. This category encompasses a broad range of tests and markers that are crucial in evaluating the efficiency and health of your body's metabolic processes.
Key components in this category include tests for blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance), which are pivotal in assessing the risk and management of diabetes, insulin resistance, and other metabolic syndromes. Additionally, markers like HbA1c provide valuable insights into long-term glucose control, reflecting average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months.
Metabolic health is also closely linked with lipid metabolism, making lipid profile tests, including cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, an integral part of this category. These markers offer crucial information about heart health and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the category delves into tests for thyroid function, such as TSH, Free T3, and Free T4, as the thyroid plays a critical role in regulating metabolism.
This category also addresses other important markers and hormones that influence metabolism, like leptin, which regulates appetite and fat storage, and cortisol, the stress hormone that can impact metabolic functions. These tests are essential for understanding how various aspects of lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, stress, and sleep, interplay with your metabolic health.
This category is designed not just for individuals who are managing specific metabolic disorders, but also for those aiming to optimize their overall health and well-being. Understanding your metabolic health is key to preventing chronic diseases, maintaining a healthy weight, and achieving optimal energy levels. With detailed descriptions of each test and interpretation of results, this category offers a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of their body's metabolic functions and take proactive steps towards maintaining or improving their metabolic health. Whether you're seeking to understand more about how your body processes nutrients, regulate your weight, or prevent metabolic diseases, this category provides the essential tools and information to guide you on your journey to better health.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) is a monosaccharide that plays a critical role as a biomarker in the assessment of intermediate glycemic control in individuals, particularly those with diabetes. Unlike conventional markers such as glycated hemoglobin (H
Learn moreFolates function as cofactors in the transfer and utilization of one carbon groups. These reactions are essential for the production of purines and pyrimidines for DNA synthesis. Folates also play a major role in the regeneration of methionine from h
Learn moreThe adiponectin blood test determines the levels of adiponectin in blood. It is used to diagnose metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes. Adiponectin is a hormone that is released from fat cells and will help to control the inflammation of tissue
Learn moreThis test is useful in the management of patients with relatively early diabetes mellitus to assist in avoiding or delaying the onset of diabetic renal disease. Albumin/Creatinine Ratio is the first method of preference to detect elevated protein.
Learn moreThyroglobulin antibodies are antibodies that recognize and bind to thyroglobulin, interfering with its function. Thyroglobulin is critical for thyroid hormone production, so thyroglobulin antibodies usually indicate thyroid disease.
Learn moreC-Peptide, measured through the Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method, represents a significant advancement in medical diagnostics, offering unparalleled accuracy in assessing pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin produ
Learn moreOther names: insulin C-peptide, connecting peptide insulin, proinsulin C-peptide C-peptide is a substance made in the pancreas, along with insulin. What is insulin? Insulin is a hormone that controls the body's glucose (blood sugar) leve
Learn moreMeasuring C-peptide is an accurate way to find out how much insulin your body is making. These are the reference ranges for C-Peptide, Ultrasensitive: Adults 8:00 a.m. fasting: 0.4 - 2.1 ng/mL 2 Hours Post Prandial (Sustacal): 1.2
Learn moreCeruloplasmin is a copper-containing enzyme that plays a role in the body's iron metabolism. This test measures the amount of ceruloplasmin in the blood.
Learn moreCreatinine is the endproduct of creatine metabolism. Creatine is present primarily in muscle and the amount of creatinine produced is related to total skeletal muscle mass. Daily creatinine production is fairly constant except when there is massive i
Learn moreCyclic AMP (Cyclic adenosine-3′-5′-monophosphate) serves as a 2nd messenger in signal transmission of many hormones, such as adrenaline, ACTH, LH, FSH, glucagon, and calcitonin.
Learn moreWhat is dihydrotestosterone? Dihydrotestosterone (=DHT) is a hormone that contributes to the development of sexual structures and characteristics in people assigned male at birth. When DHT levels are too high or too low, it can cause different iss
Learn moreDihydrotestosterone is a hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics
Learn moreYour estimated Average Glucose (eAG) number is calculated from the result of your A1c test. Like the A1c, the eAG shows what your average blood sugars have been over the previous 2 to 3 months, but instead of a percentage, the eAG is in the same unit
Learn moreFree androgen index is a measure of how much testosterone is free and available for use by the body. Much of the testosterone present in the blood is bound to SHBG, and when bound to SHBG, testosterone is inactive. The free androgen index indicates h
Learn moreTestosterone is the primary male sex hormone in humans. A healthcare professional may order a free testosterone blood test if you’re experiencing sexual problems or a secondary condition, like hyperthyroidism, is suspected.
Learn moreA free testosterone test for men is a critical diagnostic tool in evaluating and managing a variety of health conditions, primarily those related to hormonal balance and reproductive health. Testosterone, a vital male hormone, plays a significant rol
Learn moreA free testosterone test for men is a critical diagnostic tool in evaluating and managing a variety of health conditions, primarily those related to hormonal balance and reproductive health. Testosterone, a vital male hormone, plays a significant rol
Learn moreAlthough Testosterone is generally viewed as a male-only hormone, women’s ovaries also make small amounts of testosterone. It helps many organs and body processes in women. Free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone are also ref
Learn moreAlthough Testosterone is generally viewed as a male-only hormone, women’s ovaries also make small amounts of testosterone. It helps many organs and body processes in women. Free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone are also ref
Learn moreFructosamine is found in the plasma of both normal and diabetic individuals. “Fructosamine” is the term used to describe proteins that have been glycated (ie, are derivatives of the nonenzymatic reaction product of glucose and albumin). I
Learn moreGlutamic acid decarboxylase is an enzyme found in brain and pancreas that converts glutamic acid (glutamate) into GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. The glutamic acid decarboxylase test is a test that looks for antibodies directed against the glut
Learn moreGlycated Serum Protein (GSP) is the amount of glucose attached to total serum proteins that indicate the average amount of glucose in the blood over the previous two to three weeks. Glycated Serum Protein (GSP) serves as a 2-3 week indicator of av
Learn moreThe A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and i
Learn moreThe marker HOMA-B (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Beta-cell Function) is an important clinical tool used for assessing the function of beta cells in the pancreas. Beta cells play a crucial role in the body's glucose metabolism by producing and
Learn moreHOMA-IR stands for "Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance". The meaningful part of the acronym is “insulin resistance”. It marks for both the presence and extent of any insulin resistance that you might currentl
Learn moreWhat is the HOMA-S test? The HOMA-S test is a quanatitative insulin sensitivity check index/homeostasis model assessment for insulin sensitivity. The HOMA-S test is a valuable tool for predicting the risk of developing diabetes and other metabo
Learn moreHomocysteine is an amino acid that requires vitamin B12 and folate to be used by our bodies. As such, homocysteine blood tests are often ordered to identify vitamin B12 / folate deficiency. Rarely, an abnormally high level of homocysteine indicate
Learn moreInsulin is considered to be the main anabolic hormone of the body, and its primary function is to facilitate the absorption of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body (muscular and fat), as well as the liver. ----------------
Learn moreThe anti-insulin antibody test checks to see if your body has produced antibodies against insulin. Antibodies are proteins the body produces to protect itself when it detects anything "foreign," such as a virus or transplanted organ.
Learn moreA score below 33 is optimal. The insulin resistance score correlates with steady state glucose levels achieved during an insulin suppression test, a standard research test for insulin resistance. The score is based on insulin and C-peptide results.
Learn moreInsulin, Intact, LC/MS/MS is an advanced and precise laboratory test utilized to measure intact insulin levels in the blood, employing the state-of-the-art Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) technology. This test stands out for
Learn moreInsulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone that is similar in structure to insulin and works with Growth Hormone to reproduce and regenerate cells. Growth Hormone, made by the pituitary gland, stimulates the liver to produce
Learn moreIodine, Serum/Plasma
Iodine is an essential element that is required for thyroid hormone production.
Learn moreNonesterified Fatty Acids (NEFAs), also known as Free Fatty Acids (FFAs), are a type of fatty acid that circulate in the bloodstream without being attached to a glycerol molecule. They play a crucial role in energy metabolism, serving as a major ener
Learn morePregnenolone is a chemical substance that is a precursor to all steroid hormones.
Learn moreProinsulin is the precursor of insulin and C-peptide. Following synthesis, proinsulin is packaged into secretory granules, where it is processed to C-peptide and insulin by prohormone convertases and carboxypeptidase E. Only 1% to 3% of proinsulin
Learn moreSex hormone-binding globulin is a protein that binds primarily to testosterone, making it biologically unusable by our bodies. For this reason, an abnormal level of SHBG indicates that too much or too little testosterone is present in the tissues. In
Learn moreThe T7 Index is used to calculate Free T4, one of the two active thyroid hormones in your bloodstream.
Learn moreFree and weakly bound testosterone (FWBT), also referred to as bioavailable testosterone, is thought to reflect an individual's biologically active, circulating testosterone. FWBT includes free testosterone and testosterone that is bound to album
Learn moreFree and weakly bound testosterone (FWBT), also referred to as bioavailable testosterone, is thought to reflect an individual's biologically active, circulating testosterone. FWBT includes free testosterone and testosterone that is bound to album
Learn moreFree and weakly bound testosterone (FWBT), also referred to as bioavailable testosterone, is thought to reflect an individual's biologically active, circulating testosterone. FWBT includes free testosterone and testosterone that is bound to album
Learn moreThis test assesses the level of the hormone testosterone in your bloodstream. Testosterone, an androgen, is primarily responsible for the development of male characteristics. It is synthesized in the testes for males, ovaries for females, and the adr
Learn moreTestosterone is a male sex hormone or androgen. It is generally low in women and children, but it can be elevated in certain diseases. A certain level of testosterone is important for development and maturation in both genders.
Learn moreTestosterone is the main hormone responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics in men. Testosterone is produced mainly in the testicles and partially by the adrenal glands. In women, low levels of testosterone are produced by the a
Learn moreBioavailable testosterone, a crucial hormone in men's health, plays an essential role in maintaining various bodily functions. This form of testosterone, which is readily available for the body's use, significantly influences muscle strength,
Learn moreTestosterone is a male sex hormone produced in a woman’s ovaries in small amounts as well. Combined with estrogen, the female sex hormone, testosterone helps with the growth, maintenance, and repair of a woman’s reproductive tissues, bone
Learn moreThyroglobulin is the protein precursor of thyroid hormone and is made by normal well differentiated benign thyroid cells or thyroid cancer cells.
Learn moreWhat is the Thyroglobulin Antibody test? → A thyroglobulin antibody test looks for certain antibodies that attack the thyroid. The presence of thyroglobulin antibodies may indicate an autoimmune condition. → A thyroglobulin antib
Learn moreThe Thyrotropin Receptor Ab test detects the autoantibody that's associated with Graves' disease. An antibody is a specialized protein made by your immune system. Antibodies are custom made to kill pathogens in your body, such as viruses or b
Learn moreThyroid-binding globulin (TBG) is produced in the liver and is the primary circulating (transport) protein that binds thyroid hormones3,5,3’-triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and carries them in the bloodstream.
Learn moreTMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide) is a metabolite derived from gut bacteria. This test can powerfully predict future risk for heart attack, stroke, and death in people who appear otherwise healthy. TMAO is a compound produced by the liver after i
Learn moreTriiodothyronine (T3) is the most biologically active thyroid hormone in humans. It is sometimes called total triiodothyronine because it includes both free triiodothyronine and triiodothyronine bound to proteins.
Learn moreTSH receptor antibodies are antibodies that are often present in the serum of patients with Graves’ disease that are directed against the TSH receptor, often causing stimulation of this receptor with resulting hyperthyroidism. What is G
Learn moreThe Zinc Transporter 8 (ZnT8) antibody is a marker of significant interest in the field of endocrinology, particularly in relation to diabetes. ZnT8 is a protein that plays a critical role in the insulin secretion process within the pancreas. It i
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