What Blood Tests Should I Get

newbies
science
blood

(Jacob Wagner) #1

I am new to the idea of keto. I started casually switching to high fat/low carbs yesterday but I havn’t been counting Macros.

I suspect that I have insulin resistance but I have been doing annual fasting glucose tests for years and I have never shown to be pre-diabetic. However, I do have several risk-factors and symptoms like obesity, frequent urination, and both parents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

I would like to ask my doctor to order an HbA1c. I would also like to test my insulin levels, but I don’t know what that would be called.

What other test(s) should I ask for as I am trying to learn about my metabolism and planning to start a ketogenic diet.

–Jacob


(Carpe salata!) #2

You might ask for a glucose tolerance test. That test is 3 readings of blood glucose: fasting, 1hour after a glucose drink and 2hrs after the glucose drink where the level should have returned to normal.

If you can get insulin levels taken as well, that will give insight to your insulin resistance.


(Jacob Wagner) #3

That is in part what I am asking. If I want to know my insulin levels then what test or panel should I ask for?

–Jacob


(Carpe salata!) #4

“Glucose tolerance test with insulin levels”

https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/insulin/tab/test/

The purpose is to check for metabolic syndrome which is indicated by high fasting insulin and elevated insulin response to glucose.


(Mike Glasbrener) #5

I wanted this done. However, by the time I learned about this my fasting glucose and hba1c were at the high end of normal and he didn’t want to schedule a follow up after the tests.:confused:


#6

Order the follow-up tests yourself. I use UltaWellness. $50 for HbA1C/glucose/insulin. Results usually 24-36 hours. So easy. https://www.ultawellness.com/Item/Item/Hemoglobin-A1C-Insulin-and-Glucose


(Mike W.) #7

https://www.ketogenicforums.com/t/what-blood-tests-should-i-get/1436


(Jacob Wagner) #8

On the podcast, they mention a Kraft Insulin Assay where glucose and insulin are measured over 5 hours. I haven’t been able to find that anywhere except in direct reference to Dr. Kraft. Is there either another name for this test or another similar test that I can look for at my local lab?

–Jacob


(Carpe salata!) #9

An alternative is the glucose tolerance test with insulin.

This test includes a drink with 75g of sugar and three blood tests of glucose and insulin.

First test is fasting. Then one hour after the drink, then 2hrs after the drink. You generally have to stay in the lab so take a book or something!