Metabolic Health Check

Metabolic health involves more than just blood sugar. Insulin resistance, for example, can develop long before glucose or HbA1c values move outside the reference range. By including fasting insulin alongside glucose and HbA1c, this panel may detect early shifts in insulin sensitivity. Lipid markers and liver enzymes add further context, as fatty liver and dyslipidemia are often closely linked to metabolic changes.

This panel may be relevant for:

• Men who want insight into their blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity
• Those who carry excess weight around the midsection, which can be associated with metabolic changes
• Men with a family history of type 2 diabetes who want early data
• Anyone making dietary or lifestyle changes and wanting to track metabolic markers over time

• Glucose Fasting (mmol/l): blood sugar level after an overnight fast.
• HbA1c (mmol/mol): reflects average blood sugar control over the past 2 to 3 months.
• Insulin Fasting (pmol/L): the amount of insulin your body produces while fasting. Elevated fasting insulin may be an early indicator of insulin resistance, sometimes appearing before glucose values shift.
• Total Cholesterol (mmol/l), HDL Cholesterol (mmol/l), LDL Cholesterol (mmol/l), and Triglycerides (mmol/l): lipid markers that can be influenced by metabolic status. Elevated triglycerides and low HDL are often seen alongside insulin resistance.
• ALT (u/l): a liver enzyme that may be elevated when the liver is under metabolic stress, such as in fatty liver.
• GGT (u/l): another liver enzyme that can be influenced by alcohol, medications, and metabolic factors.

The combination of fasting glucose, HbA1c, and fasting insulin can provide a more nuanced view of blood sugar regulation than any one marker alone. For example, normal glucose with elevated fasting insulin could suggest that your body is working harder to maintain blood sugar levels, which may indicate early insulin resistance. Meanwhile, elevated triglycerides with low HDL is a pattern often seen alongside metabolic shifts. Liver enzymes like ALT and GGT can add another layer, as fatty liver is frequently associated with metabolic changes. Reviewing these markers together with a healthcare provider may provide a broader perspective.

A blood sample is drawn at a certified sample point (afnamepunt). There are over 750 locations across the Netherlands. After placing your order, you can select a location and time that suits your schedule. The appointment typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

This panel may be useful when:

• You want to check your blood sugar regulation beyond just glucose
• You are interested in whether insulin resistance may be developing before glucose values change
• You are making dietary changes (such as reducing sugar or carbohydrates) and want to track metabolic markers
• You want a combined view of metabolic and liver health

Results are presented with reference ranges. Glucose and HbA1c are commonly used to assess blood sugar control, while fasting insulin adds context about how hard the body is working to maintain those levels. Lipid values are best interpreted as a group; the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio, for example, is sometimes used as an informal marker of insulin resistance. Liver enzymes can be influenced by many factors, including alcohol, medications, and exercise. A healthcare provider can help interpret the overall pattern and determine whether any values warrant further investigation.

Fasting for 8 to 12 hours is required for accurate glucose, insulin, and lipid readings. Water is fine during the fasting period. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test, as it can affect liver enzyme and triglyceride levels.

Results are typically available within a few business days. Your report includes all values alongside reference ranges. If fasting insulin or other markers fall outside expected ranges, or if you notice shifts compared to previous results, discussing them with a healthcare provider can help put the data into perspective.