Metabolic Health Extended blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Metabolic health describes how well your body handles sugar and fat. This panel looks at blood sugar control through fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin and C-peptide, which together show both your blood sugar level and how hard the pancreas is working to keep it there. Raised insulin with normal glucose can be an early sign of insulin resistance.

The lipid section goes beyond a standard cholesterol test. Alongside total, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, it measures apolipoprotein A-I and B, the ApoB to A-I ratio, small LDL particles, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein E. Adiponectin is a hormone released by fat tissue that tends to be lower when insulin resistance is present, and standard and high sensitivity CRP add an inflammation view.

The price includes your sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You are carrying extra weight around your middle and want to understand your metabolic risk.
• You have been told your blood sugar or cholesterol is borderline.
• You have a family history of type 2 diabetes or early heart disease.
• You have polycystic ovary syndrome or another condition linked with insulin resistance.
• You want more detail on heart risk than a standard cholesterol test gives.

Understanding your result

In your report, every marker is set against its laboratory reference range. Higher insulin, C-peptide and HbA1c with lower adiponectin suggest the body is becoming less sensitive to insulin. In the lipid profile, raised apolipoprotein B and small LDL reflect more particles that can enter artery walls, while lipoprotein (a) is largely inherited and is usually measured once.

Apolipoprotein E is involved in clearing cholesterol-rich particles from the blood and is best discussed in context with your practitioner. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis, and your practitioner will help you prioritise any changes.

Preparing for your test

Please fast for 10 to 12 hours before your appointment, drinking water only, because glucose, insulin, C-peptide and triglycerides change after eating. A morning appointment works best. Avoid alcohol and heavy exercise the day before, and tell us about diabetes medicines, statins or high-dose biotin, which can affect some results.

For a broader screen that includes these markers, see Advanced GP3, or for blood sugar alone, our HbA1c and diabetes tests include an insulin resistance check. More options appear on our page showing every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is Metabolic Health Extended in Chiswick?

Metabolic Health Extended costs £99 at Omnia Lifestyle in Chiswick. This includes your blood sample, analysis of all 18 markers at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Why do I need to fast?

Insulin, glucose, C-peptide and triglycerides rise after food, so a fasting sample gives results that can be compared with reference ranges.

What is lipoprotein (a)?

It is a type of cholesterol-carrying particle whose level is mostly set by your genes. A high level adds to cardiovascular risk and is usually considered alongside other risk factors.

Can this test diagnose insulin resistance?

There is no single diagnostic test for insulin resistance, but the combination of glucose, insulin, C-peptide and adiponectin gives your practitioner a useful indication.