How Monitoring 8 Biomarkers Remade My Metabolic Well-Being

To promote a healthier and longer life, it’s crucial to focus on delaying the onset of diseases rather than extending the duration of illness once they manifest.

The prevailing healthcare approach focuses on disease management, usually overlooking proactive measures until symptoms become apparent and diseases emerge. To promote a healthier and longer life, we must proactively delay the onset of diseases. Once a chronic disease starts, it can be very challenging to reverse. Without taking personal responsibility, our health may not receive the required attention.

The current approach to managing illness impedes promoting a healthier population worldwide. I confronted this stark reality when diagnosed with metabolic disorders early in life. Taking personal responsibility, I reversed my condition with hard work. Rather than being managed by healthcare professionals, I learned to take charge of my well-being by managing them.

Fortunately, a new wave of healthcare professionals and the concerned public acknowledges the growing challenge and collaboratively advocates for a new paradigm emphasizing proactive, preventive, collaborative, and integrative health approaches. This will take a while to manifest.

My key point is that regular health check-ups play a vital role in identifying potential risk factors and detecting early signs of metabolic conditions, which cause millions of deaths and illnesses. Waiting until illness strikes is unnecessary. The earlier we check critical biomarkers, the better.

Open discussions with family doctors can lead to appropriate referrals to specialists for relevant tests covering essential aspects of metabolic health. With advancing science and technology, some valuable tests can now be done conveniently at our own pace on a low budget.

Numerous biomarkers and associated tests are used in diagnosing metabolic disorders. The mechanisms underlying these biomarkers can vary depending on the specific markers being assessed. I focus solely on essential biomarkers at a high level to create awareness.

We don’t need scientific and technical details, but understanding the significance of critical tests is essential for engaging in productive discussions with our family physicians. We can proactively monitor our health and obtain support for our metabolic well-being with our healthcare providers by initiating necessary conversations and requesting pertinent tests. Shyness will not take us anywhere.

Why do we need to check numerous biomarkers?

Regularly checking essential biomarkers for metabolic health offers valuable insights, aiding in the early detection of abnormalities before symptoms manifest. This early detection allows timely interventions and lifestyle adjustments to effectively prevent or manage metabolic disorders.

Biomarker analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of metabolic health, identifying individual risk factors and enabling personalized interventions tailored to specific needs.

Tracking biomarkers facilitates evidence-based and tangible progress monitoring, motivating us to maintain healthy habits and adhere to treatment plans. Additionally, analyzing biomarker data at a population level can identify trends, guiding public health initiatives and targeted interventions to address metabolic disorders more effectively.

Key Biomarkers for Metabolic Health

Learning about the risks of metabolic disorders can empower us to obtain necessary tests timely. I introduced seven risks in a previous article. I want to outline some commonly checked biomarkers and their significance for risk management and metabolic disease prevention. Symptoms of disorders can be different for each person. My first test was done because of unbearable pain caused by chronic inflammation.

1— Inflammation Markers

I started with chronic inflammation as abnormal biomarkers alerted my caring physician to check my other markers, like glucose and lipids, to detect metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity, and prediabetes in my early 20s.

Inflammation markers are molecules indicating an inflamed body. These markers are essential for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory health conditions and assessing treatments’ effectiveness.

CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels indicate systemic inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and infections.

ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube over a specified time period. Increased ESR indicates inflammation. However, it is a nonspecific marker and does not indicate the cause of inflammation.

Procalcitonin levels rise in response to bacterial infections in the bloodstream. It is a helpful marker for distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections.

IL-6 and TNF-alpha are cytokines involved in immune response and inflammation. Elevated IL-6 levels are seen in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, and cancers.

2 — Blood Glucose Levels

Several blood tests measure glucose in the body to detect prediabetes and diabetes. Regular blood glucose testing allows us and healthcare providers to assess the state of blood sugar control and take appropriate measures to prevent or manage the progression of these conditions.

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test measures blood sugar before and after a patient drinks sugar-containing liquids. The test is conducted in one, two, and three hours. It aims to detect abnormalities in how the body handles glucose after a meal before fasting blood glucose level becomes abnormal.

Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) measures the average blood sugar level over the past few months. Physicians use this as an essential tool for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing diabetes. Testing HbA1c is a good indicator of blood sugar to detect anomalies for diabetes diagnosis.

As I explained before, hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells, tissues, and organs. When glucose enters the bloodstream, it binds to hemoglobin, which I introduced in a previous article in managing my anemia.

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) tests gauge blood glucose levels after an overnight fast, with twelve hours being the optimal fasting period as per lab recommendations. Prolonging the fast beyond the advised duration may affect test accuracy. FPG tests serve to confirm HbA1c for diabetes diagnosis, monitor blood sugar control in diabetic patients, or gauge treatment effectiveness.

As I introduced before, Continuous Glucose Monitoring tests require wearing a device that measures blood glucose levels continuously during the day and night. This test is helpful for high-risk patients as they can see and review how their glucose levels change and understand trends.

Random blood sugar tests measure the amount of glucose in the bloodstream when the patient is tested. This test does not require fasting. While physicians or caregivers can do this test, you can also do it at home with devices, as I introduced in a previous article.

3 — Fasting Insulin and Insulin Tolerance Tests

When the body becomes insulin-resistant, blood sugar levels can rise (hyperglycemia). Over time, if not properly managed, this can progress to diabetes. Insulin resistance and high fasting insulin levels are early signs of metabolic disorders.

Fasting insulin levels are helpful because they provide valuable insights into our insulin function and can identify early abnormalities in glucose metabolism. If fasting insulin levels are consistently high or if there is insulin resistance, it may prompt further investigation and intervention to prevent or manage metabolic disorders.

Fasting insulin levels can be used to diagnose hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, insulinoma (pancreas tumor), pancreatitis, and Cushing’s syndrome (a disorder of adrenal glands). You can learn about endocrine glands in this article.

Insulin tolerance tests measure the body’s response to insulin by administering insulin and monitoring blood sugar levels. It is used to diagnose insulinoma and conditions associated with insulin production and regulation.

As the pancreas creates insulin, its test can be valuable. In addition, testing pancreatic enzyme levels is helpful because elevated levels might indicate pancreatic inflammation or dysfunction.

4 — Lipid Profile

The lipid profile measures different fat molecules. They provide valuable information about our fat metabolism. The lipid profile helps assess risk, guide interventions, and monitor treatment progress. The lipid profile is typically performed after fasting to ensure accurate measurements, as specific lipids can fluctuate after a meal.

Standard lipid tests include measurements of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, the Apolipoprotein B-100, and triglycerides. Abnormal lipid levels can indicate dyslipidemia, a significant risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders.

Elevated triglyceride levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risks. LDL with inflammation can contribute to artery plaque formation. HDL can remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. I documented my perspectives on the cholesterol paradox in a previous article.

5 — Body Composition (Fat, Muscles, Bones)

Body composition analysis determines the proportion of body fat, muscle mass, and bone density in relation to total body weight and structure. Monitoring changes in body composition helps us set goals for fat loss, muscle gain, and a better physique. One of the most critical ones is waist circumference, which is used to identify metabolic syndrome.

Bone density measurements assess the strength and density of bones. We can get them checked via DEXA scans showing muscle and fat ratios, too. It can be valuable for detecting both sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Healthcare professionals can also use MRI for more complex bone health issues.

Metabolic markers, like blood lactate levels and respiratory exchange ratio (RER), provide insights into our metabolic response to exercise. Monitoring metabolic markers like lactate levels helps determine the energy system utilization, training intensities, and endurance capacity.

6 — Liver and Kidney Function Tests

The liver has many bodily functions. From a metabolic health perspective, two elevated liver enzymes indicate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects two billion people globally.

These enzymes are alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), biomarkers that reflect liver cell damage and inflammation. When these enzymes are elevated, it suggests an underlying liver condition, like fatty liver disease, which involves the accumulation of excess fat in the liver.

As kidneys play a role in metabolic health, it will be useful to test Blood Urea Nitrogen, Creatinin, Glomerular Filtration Rate, Urinalysis, Albuminuria, Electrolyte levels, and Renal Imaging.

7 — Cardiovascular Health Tests

I tried many tests to measure the health of my heart. One of the most common ones is blood pressure measurements. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease. High or low blood pressure requires evaluation and management by physicians.

Resting heart rate (RHR) measures the number of times our heart beats per minute while at rest. A lower RHR usually indicates a more robust and efficient cardiovascular system with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Heart rate variability is the variation in the time intervals between consecutive heartbeats. It reflects the activity and balance between fight-or-flight and rest-and-digest, giving us valuable clues for cardiometabolic health.

Homocysteine in the bloodstream indicates B vitamin deficiencies and leads to cardiovascular issues. Between 5 and 15 mcmol/L, homocysteine is considered normal for healthy people. However, if it gets higher than 50 mcmol/L for a prolonged time, it can damage the lining of arteries, cause blood clots or blood vessel blockages, and impact the oxygenation of the cells in the body.

A Coronary Calcium Scan estimates the risk of coronary artery disease by assessing calcium deposits in the arteries. Cardiac Catheterization measures blood pressure and oxygen levels in the heart and can image and potentially treat blockages.

Electrocardiogram is used to detect abnormal heart rhythms. It creates detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, evaluates pumping ability, detects valve problems, and assesses blood flow.

The heart stress imaging test assesses the heart’s performance during physical exertion, helping diagnose coronary artery disease and determine exercise tolerance. It is a noninvasive modality for evaluating coronary artery disease, myocardium viability, and exercise capacity.

Cardiac CT Scan and Cardiac MRI provide detailed images of the heart and blood vessels, detecting plaque buildup in the arteries and assessing heart structure, aiding in diagnosing heart conditions.

Cardiac Output is the amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute. It is calculated by multiplying the blood pumped with heartbeats and the heart rate. It is an essential metric for assessing heart function. Holter Monitor records heart electrical activity continuously, capturing irregularities or arrhythmias over 24 to 48 hours.

8 — Sex Hormones and Thyroid Function Tests

I learned that imbalances in sex hormones are associated with increased metabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Hormonal imbalances can affect fertility and reproductive function. Hormone replacement therapy may be necessary for people with hormonal deficiencies or imbalances.

Sex hormone levels can change throughout life due to aging, menopause, and andropause. Regular monitoring of sex hormone levels allows healthcare providers to track changes, identify potential issues, and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Testing sex hormones can provide valuable insights into our metabolic health. Sex hormone testing can identify hormone levels and imbalances. Standard sex hormone tests are estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG).

Thyroid hormones are essential in metabolism. Abnormal thyroid function, indicated by TSH, T3, and T4 tests, can affect metabolic rate, causing involuntary weight gain or loss.

Early detection of thyroid function markers can help us identify relevant metabolic conditions at their initial stages, allowing for early intervention, treatment, and management.

I introduced two conditions (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), in a previous article. I highlighted the importance of iodine, which is also testable and associated with these disorders.

Conclusions and Takeaways

Metabolic disorders, if left undetected or unmanaged, can have severe consequences for healthspan and lifespan. These biomarkers can identify underlying physiological processes related to our metabolism. Dysregulation of metabolic processes can lead to metabolic disorders.

Checking biomarkers for metabolic health provides a proactive and personalized approach to healthcare. By identifying early warning signs and tailoring interventions, we can take control of our health, reduce the risk of complications, and improve our overall well-being.

Early diagnosis can lead to timely interventions, like lifestyle modifications, medication, and targeted therapies, preventing and mitigating metabolic disorder risks and improving overall health outcomes.

To maintain sustainable health, I undertook other tests like sleep quality, stress, fitness, genetics (DNA), vitamins, minerals, cognitive, and mental health. I recently wrote an important article about the importance of checking MTHFR Polymorphisms or Mutations.

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.

To inform my new readers, I wrote numerous articles that might inform and inspire you. My topics include brain and cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, and humor.

I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness. 100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years

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