Metabolic

Insulin resistance can lead to difficulty losing weight, distinct abdominal fat, fatigue, bloating and sugar cravings. Identifying insulin resistance early and committing to lifestyle changes can ultimately help the progression to diabetes.

• Fasting glucose

  If you have diabetes your body doesn’t process glucose effectively.

• Fasting Insulin

  A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps to control blood glucose levels and plays a role in controlling the levels of carbohydrates and fats stored in the body.

• HOMA-IR Score

  The HOMA-IR score is a calculation used to assess insulin resistance. A higher score indicates a greater degree of insulin resistance, and is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

• HbA1c (DCCT)

  HbA1c measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. The higher the percentage, the higher the average blood sugar level has been over the past 2-3 months.

• HbA1c (IFCC)

  HbA1c can be expressed as a percentage (DCCT unit) or as a value in mmol/mol (IFCC unit).

Cholesterol

Lipids and cholesterol are fat-like substances in your blood. Some are necessary for good health, but when you have a high level of cholesterol in your blood, a lot of it ends up being deposited in the walls of your arteries and other vital organs. Lifestyle choices including diet, exercise and alcohol intake can all influence cholesterol levels and your risk of developing heart disease.

This cholesterol test measures:

• Total Cholesterol

  Total cholesterol includes both HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol is essential for many processes in the body, including the formation of cell membranes, the production of hormones, and the metabolism of vitamin D.

• LDL

  LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, as it can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries and can increase the risk of heart disease.

• HDL

  HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol, as it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and can protect against the development of heart disease.

• Triglycerides

  Triglycerides are the main storage form of fatty acids in the body and a source of energy. High levels of triglycerides are associated with cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

• Non-HDL Cholesterol

  Non-HDL cholesterol is considered an effective lipid measurement for assessing cardiovascular disease risk as it is believed to reflect levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol.

Liver Function

Your liver processes drugs and alcohol, filters toxic chemicals, stores vitamins and minerals, and makes bile, proteins and enzymes. This liver function test examines enzymes and other markers for evidence of damage to your liver cells or a blockage near your liver which can impair its function.

This liver function test measures:

• Bilirubin

  Bilirubin tests are use to screen for or to detect and monitor liver disorders or haemolytic anaemia.

• Direct Bilirubin

  Where the direct bilirubin is elevated, this can indicate some kind of blockage of the liver or bile duct.

• ALP

  Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme located mainly in the liver and the bones. High levels can indicate liver disease.

• AST

  Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme created mainly by the liver and the heart. High levels can indicate damage to your liver caused by alcohol, drugs or hepatitis.

• ALT

  Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mainly produced by the liver. A good indicator of liver damage caused by alcohol, drugs or hepatitis.

• GGT

  Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a liver enzyme which plays a key role in the metabolism of glutathione and the transport of amino acids. Elevated GGT levels can indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct issues, or excessive alcohol use.

• Albumin

  Albumin is a protein which keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, nourishes tissues, and carries hormones, vitamins, drugs, and ions like calcium throughout the body. Low levels can indicate malnutrition or other health problems.

• Globulin

  Any of a group of simple proteins found in the blood.

• Total Protein

  A measure of all of the proteins in the plasma portion of your blood. Proteins are important building blocks of all cells and tissues – they are important for body growth and health.

UECs (Kidney Function)

Your kidneys filter waste from your body and regulate salts in your blood. They also produce hormones and vitamins that direct cell activities in many organs and help to control blood pressure. When the kidneys aren’t working properly, waste products and fluid can build up to dangerous levels creating a life-threatening situation.

• Sodium

  Sodium is important for maintaining fluid balance in the body and for proper nerve and muscle function.

• Potassium

  Potassium is important for nerve and muscle function, including regulating heart rhythm, and is also involved in fluid balance.

• Chloride

  Chloride is important for maintaining fluid balance and for the proper functioning of the digestive system.

• Bicarbonate

  Higher than normal levels suggests trouble maintaining pH balance either by failing to remove carbon dioxide or because of an electrolyte imbalance. Elevations may be seen with severe vomiting, chronic lung problems and some hormonal disorders. Low levels may be seen with chronic diarrhoea, diabetic ketoacidosis and kidney failure.

• Urea

  A high concentration of this waste product can indicate dehydration or that your kidneys aren’t working properly.

• Creatinine

  A waste molecule generated from muscle metabolism, and an accurate marker of kidney function.

• eGFR

  The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures how well your kidneys filter the wastes from your blood and is the best overall measure of kidney function.

Total B12 & Folate

• Vitamin B12

  Found almost entirely in meat and animal food products. Cobalamin helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA.

• Folate

  Found naturally in food, such as green leafy vegetables. Folate (vitamin B9) plays a role in DNA creation and is important for the production of red blood cells.

High sensitivity CRP (hsCRP)

The hsCRP test is a highly sensitive quantification of CRP, a protein released into the blood by the liver during inflammation, and has been associated with the presence of heart disease.

This blood test measures:

• High sensitivity CRP

  A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test measures low levels of CRP and may be used to help evaluate an individual for risk of cardiovascular disease

Thyroid Function

Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate growth and energy expenditure. Thyroid disorders are quite common, and many people don’t have any symptoms at all. This thyroid test screens for the thyroid hormones that play a key role in regulating the body’s metabolism.

This thyroid test measures:

• TSH

  Communicates with the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4 which regulate metabolic functions. High TSH thyroid test levels indicates an underactive thyroid, and low levels an overactive thyroid.

• FT4

  Measures the thyroxine that is freely circulating and able to regulate metabolism. High FT4 thyroid test levels indicate an overactive thyroid, and low levels an underactive thyroid.

• FT3

  Measures the triiodothyronine that is freely circulating. High FT3 thyroid test levels indicate an overactive thyroid, and low levels an underactive thyroid.