The Key Biomarkers to Measure With a Blood Test | Dr. Casey Means & Dr. Andrew Huberman

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Andrew Huberman and Casey Means delve into essential blood biomarkers that everyone should know. They emphasize the importance of understanding fasting glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, hemoglobin A1C, and more. Means explains how these tests provide critical insight into metabolic health and mitochondrial function, revealing early signs of dysfunction. With a focus on optimal ranges, they discuss the impact of lifestyle on improving these markers within a few months. The conversation highlights the growing concern of metabolic syndrome in the U.S., affecting over 93% of adults.

Takeaways

• 🩺 The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding key blood biomarkers for metabolic health.
• 📈 Basic tests recommended for everyone include fasting glucose, fasting triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, hemoglobin A1C, total cholesterol, waist circumference, and blood pressure.
• 🚫 There is a significant debate about the interpretation of these biomarkers, with some questioning the 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol labels.
• 📉 Triglycerides are a storage form of excess carbohydrates, not directly related to fat intake, and can indicate metabolic issues.
• 📊 Optimal ranges for these biomarkers are crucial; being at the upper end of 'normal' can still signal metabolic dysfunction.
• 🩸 Hemoglobin A1C measures the percentage of glycated hemoglobin, reflecting average blood sugar levels over 90 to 120 days.
• 🔍 The conversation suggests that even subtle deviations from optimal ranges in these biomarkers can indicate underlying health issues.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Lifestyle changes can significantly impact these biomarkers, with improvements often seen within 1 to 2 months.
• 🧠 Understanding these biomarkers at a cellular level can provide insight into mitochondrial health and overall metabolic function.
• 💡 The dialogue highlights the need for individuals to be proactive in requesting these tests and understanding their results to manage their health effectively.

Q & A

What are the basic blood tests everyone should consider getting during a physical check-up?

The basic blood tests that everyone should consider include fasting glucose, fasting triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, hemoglobin A1C, total cholesterol, waist circumference, and blood pressure. These are often included in an annual physical and can help define metabolic health.

Why does Casey Means emphasize knowing these specific biomarkers?

Casey Means emphasizes these biomarkers because they provide a comprehensive view of one's metabolic health. They are commonly used in large population studies to assess metabolic dysfunction, and knowing these values can help individuals understand their risk for conditions like metabolic syndrome.

What is the significance of fasting glucose levels, and what range is considered optimal?

Fasting glucose levels indicate the amount of sugar in the blood after fasting. An optimal level is generally considered to be below 100 mg/dL. Elevated levels may indicate insulin resistance or metabolic dysfunction.

What role do triglycerides play in understanding metabolic health?

Triglycerides are a storage form of excess carbohydrates in the blood. High triglyceride levels can indicate that the body is not efficiently processing energy, leading to metabolic dysfunction. It reflects a state of chronic overnutrition and poor mitochondrial function.

What does a high hemoglobin A1C level indicate about a person's health?

A high hemoglobin A1C level indicates that there has been a consistently high level of glucose in the blood over the past 90-120 days. This suggests poor blood sugar control, which is often a sign of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.

How is blood pressure related to metabolic health and mitochondrial function?

Blood pressure is related to metabolic health through insulin resistance. Insulin helps produce nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels. When insulin resistance occurs, nitric oxide production decreases, leading to higher blood pressure and indicating potential metabolic issues.

What is the problem with relying solely on the 'normal' range for biomarkers?

Relying solely on the 'normal' range can be misleading because it might still reflect suboptimal health. For example, being on the higher end of the normal range for glucose and triglycerides could indicate early stages of metabolic dysfunction, even if it falls within the 'normal' limits.

Why is it important to look at multiple biomarkers together?

Looking at multiple biomarkers together provides a more comprehensive picture of a person's metabolic health. Changes in one biomarker can influence others, and together, they offer a better understanding of potential underlying issues, such as mitochondrial dysfunction.

How can lifestyle changes impact these metabolic biomarkers?

Simple lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, and managing stress, can significantly impact these biomarkers. Many of these measures can improve within 1 to 2 months of consistent lifestyle changes.

What is the overall message Casey Means wants to convey about metabolic health?

Casey Means emphasizes that metabolic health is fundamental to overall well-being and can often be assessed through basic, accessible tests. By understanding these biomarkers and what they indicate, individuals can take proactive steps to improve their health and prevent metabolic diseases.