Insulin resistance develops for years before fasting glucose levels exceed the normal range. Similarly, with cardiovascular risk, classic total cholesterol doesn't tell the whole story. A well-chosen set of tests allows for early intervention.
Why testing glucose alone is not enough
The body maintains normal glucose levels for a long time at the cost of increasingly higher insulin. Therefore, if you experience weight gain around the abdomen, drowsiness after meals, and hunger pangs, it's worth testing fasting insulin and calculating the HOMA-IR index, not just glucose.
HbA1c completes the picture by showing the average glucose concentration over the last 2–3 months.
- Glucose + Insulin → HOMA-IR
- HbA1c — trend over the last few months
- Lipid Profile + ApoB — number of atherogenic particles
- ALT, GGTP — fatty liver
- hs-CRP, Homocysteine — inflammatory component
Cholesterol: what to really measure
Total cholesterol and LDL-C are standard tests, but ApoB better reflects the number of particles that can deposit in the artery walls. It's also worthwhile to check triglycerides and the TG/HDL ratio, which correlates well with insulin resistance.
You can find all these parameters in the metabolism and advanced organ function category.
Preparation and pricing
Metabolic tests require a 12-hour fast, and you should avoid alcohol and fatty meals the day before. Individual biomarkers start from £39, while a complete set of parameters is most cost-effective in our premium package for £310. A mandatory appointment fee of £25 is added to every visit, covering the blood draw, sample handling, and dispatch to the laboratory.
Follow-up after lifestyle changes
After making dietary and activity changes, the first effects on insulin and triglycerides are visible after 8–12 weeks, and on HbA1c after about 3 months. Plan your follow-up test accordingly using our booking system.
If your symptoms also include fatigue and hair loss, consider adding a thyroid panel.
