3 Essential Blood Tests To Run: you need to know this | Episode 4 of 18

Summary

In this episode of the Glucose Goddess Show, biochemist Jine Chusp discusses the importance of blood tests for assessing glucose health and insulin resistance. She emphasizes that while fasting glucose is a standard measure, it's incomplete for a full health assessment. The HbA1c test provides a broader view of glucose levels over two to three months. Crucially, fasting insulin levels and the HOMA-IR ratio are highlighted as key indicators of insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes and other health issues. Chusp offers practical advice and her 'hacks' for improving these metrics, urging viewers to consult with doctors and take proactive steps for better metabolic health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fasting glucose level is a standard measure of glucose health, but it may not be comprehensive enough to detect early signs of insulin resistance or pre-diabetes.
• 📊 A fasting glucose level below 100 mg/dL is considered healthy, while 100-126 mg/dL indicates pre-diabetes, and above 126 mg/dL is type 2 diabetes.
• 🌟 Early studies suggest that an optimal fasting glucose level might be below 85 mg/dL for better cardiovascular health.
• 🌡 The HbA1c test provides a snapshot of average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months and is important for diabetes management.
• 📉 An HbA1c level below 5.7% is normal, 5.7-6.4% indicates pre-diabetes, and above 6.5% is diabetes.
• 🏃‍♀️ Fasting insulin levels are a critical measure of insulin resistance and metabolic health, often rising years before glucose levels become a concern.
• 🔍 The optimal range for fasting insulin is 2 to 6 micro units per milliliter, with 6 to 10 micro units per milliliter being normal, and above 10 indicating potential issues.
• 🧪 The Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) ratio combines fasting glucose and insulin levels to provide a measure of insulin sensitivity.
• 📈 A HOMA-IR ratio below 2 indicates optimal insulin sensitivity, between 2 and 3 suggests early insulin resistance, and above 3 indicates significant insulin resistance.
• 🍽 Implementing specific dietary and lifestyle changes, such as having a savory breakfast and adding a veggie starter to meals, can help improve glucose and insulin levels.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the 'glucos goddess show'?

The primary focus of the 'glucos goddess show' is to help individuals understand and measure their glucose health, insulin resistance, and overall internal health to optimize their well-being.

Why is fasting glucose an incomplete measure of glucose health?

Fasting glucose is an incomplete measure of glucose health because it only provides a snapshot of blood sugar levels after an overnight fast and does not account for glucose fluctuations throughout the day or over longer periods.

What is the significance of a fasting glucose level below 85 mg/dL?

A fasting glucose level below 85 mg/dL is considered optimal, as studies suggest that levels above this threshold, even within the 'normal' range, can be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

What is the HbA1c test and why is it important?

The HbA1c test measures the average amount of glucose in the blood over the past two to three months by assessing the percentage of glycated hemoglobin. It's important for detecting early signs of diabetes and monitoring long-term blood sugar control.

How does the process of glycation relate to aging and glucose levels?

Glycation is a process where glucose molecules attach to other molecules, causing damage and aging effects. High glucose levels can accelerate glycation, leading to increased aging and potential health issues, emphasizing the importance of managing glucose levels.

What is insulin resistance and why is it a health concern?

Insulin resistance is a condition where cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin, leading to higher insulin levels and potentially type 2 diabetes. It's a health concern because it can increase the risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular issues and cognitive decline.

Why is measuring fasting insulin levels crucial for assessing metabolic health?

Measuring fasting insulin levels is crucial because elevated levels can indicate insulin resistance, which often occurs years before fasting glucose levels rise. This early detection allows for proactive measures to prevent or mitigate health risks.

What is the HOMA-IR ratio and how is it calculated?

The HOMA-IR ratio is a measure of insulin resistance calculated by multiplying fasting glucose (in mg/dL) by fasting insulin (in μU/mL) and dividing by 405 (or by 22.5 if units are in mmol/L and mU/L, respectively). It provides a numerical value to assess how well the body manages insulin and glucose.

What are some practical tips mentioned in the script to lower fasting glucose levels?

Practical tips to lower fasting glucose levels include having a savory breakfast, adding a veggie starter to meals, putting clothing on carbs (likely meaning delaying carb intake), using muscles after eating, and having a vinegar drink, among others.

How can continuous glucose monitors (CGM) be useful for non-diabetic individuals?

For non-diabetic individuals, CGMs can be useful for monitoring glucose level variations and ensuring post-meal glucose increases do not exceed optimal limits, such as a 30 mg/dL rise after a meal, to prevent potential health issues related to glucose spikes.

What is the recommended approach if blood test results indicate suboptimal glucose health?

If blood test results indicate suboptimal glucose health, the recommended approach is to work with a doctor, implement science-backed dietary and lifestyle changes, and retest after a month to track progress.