At Metabolism IQ, we believe lab testing is one of the best ways to uncover what’s really
happening in your body. The labs below help us look at your blood sugar, iron balance, liver
health, inflammation, and cholesterol—all key pieces of your overall metabolic health.
HbA1C (Hemoglobin A1C)
Shows your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.
Note: In people with anemia, sickle cell, or thalassemia, this test can appear lower than reality because red blood cells don’t live as long.
Insulin
A powerful early marker of metabolic health. Levels higher than 6 μIU/mL often point to early insulin resistance, even before blood sugar rises.
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
Measures red blood cells, hemoglobin, and more. Helpful for spotting anemia, blood quality, and oxygen delivery.
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Looks at electrolytes, liver, and kidney function.
Iron Studies
- Serum Iron: Circulating iron in the blood.
- Ferritin: Storage form of iron. Can rise with overload or inflammation.
- Transferrin & TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity): Proteins that transport and bind iron.
Imbalances here can reveal hidden iron dysregulation.
Protein S
Protein S is a natural blood protein that helps prevent excessive clotting. It works together with another protein (Protein C) to keep your blood flowing smoothly by turning off clotting factors when they are no longer needed.
hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)
- A marker of inflammation. We like to see it under 1.0
Cholesterol Panel
- LDL
- HDL
- Triglycerides
A simple but powerful marker: The Triglyceride/HDL ratio. Goal is less than 1.5.
Why These Labs Matter
Iron Dysregulation:
Iron balance is central to your health. Too much iron (iron overload) can damage the liver, increase oxidative stress, block glutathione production, and drive inflammation. Too little, or poorly used iron, can cause fatigue, weakness, and anemia.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin helps your body use glucose for energy. When your cells stop responding well, the pancreas pumps out more insulin. This “silent” process often starts years before diabetes and is linked to weight gain, fatigue, fatty liver, and heart disease.
Cholestasis (Sluggish Bile Flow)
The liver uses bile to process fats, cholesterol, and toxins. If bile flow slows down—whether from gallstones, gallbladder removal, or liver issues—it can create a cascade: inflammation, insulin resistance, and iron overload.
Signs of Iron Overload to Watch For
- Fatigue or weakness
- Joint pain (hands, knees)
- Abdominal discomfort
- Skin darkening or bronzing
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Liver enlargement or damage
- “Bronze diabetes” (diabetes plus skin changes)
- Sexual hormone changes (irregular cycles, low libido)
Many people never realize they have iron overload until damage has occurred. That’s why testing is so important.
Putting It Together
When we review these labs as a group, they give us a clear picture of:
- How well your liver is working
- If your body is handling glucose and insulin properly
- Whether inflammation is present
- How your body is regulating iron
This “big picture” approach helps us get to the root of fatigue, metabolic issues, and chronic conditions—so we can support your health in a targeted, effective way.