What Your Endocrinologist is Looking for in Your Bloodwork

When you visit an endocrinologist, they will likely order bloodwork to assess your overall metabolic health. The specific tests and what your endocrinologist is looking for in your bloodwork will depend on your individual health situation, but here are some key factors they will typically consider.

Understanding Blood Sugar Levels

Your blood sugar level is a critical indicator of your metabolic health. Your endocrinologist will want to see how well your body is managing glucose (sugar) levels. They will be looking for evidence of:

Normal blood sugar levels: Your endocrinologist will want to see that your fasting blood glucose levels are within the normal range (typically 70-99 mg/dL).
A1C levels: This measures your average blood glucose control over the past 2-3 months. A normal A1C level is below 7%.
Post-meal blood glucose levels: This measures how well your body is able to manage blood sugar spikes after meals.

Insulin and Thyroid Function

Your endocrinologist will also be checking your insulin and thyroid function. They will be looking for evidence of: Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar 2 Hours After Eating

Normal insulin levels: Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Your endocrinologist will want to see that your insulin levels are within the normal range.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels: This measures your thyroid function. A normal TSH level is between 0.5 and 5.0 mU/L.

Lipid Profiles

Your endocrinologist will also want to see your lipid profile, which includes:

Total cholesterol: This measures the overall level of cholesterol in your blood. A normal total cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL.
HDL (good) cholesterol: This measures the level of good cholesterol in your blood. A normal HDL level is above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women.
LDL (bad) cholesterol: This measures the level of bad cholesterol in your blood. A normal LDL level is below 100 mg/dL.

Blood Pressure and Kidney Function

Your endocrinologist will also want to check your blood pressure and kidney function. They will be looking for evidence of:

Normal blood pressure: Blood pressure is an important indicator of overall health. A normal blood pressure is below 130/80 mmHg.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): This measures your kidney function. A normal GFR is above 90 mL/min/1.73 m².

Other Tests

Your endocrinologist may also order other tests, depending on your individual health situation. These may include: Decoding Your Blood Sugar Levels Chart A Guide For Every Age

Thyroid antibody tests: These measure the level of antibodies against your thyroid gland.
Adrenal function tests: These measure the function of your adrenal glands.
Prolactin levels: This measures the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by your pituitary gland.

It's worth noting that the specific tests and what your endocrinologist is looking for in your bloodwork will depend on your individual health situation. They will discuss the results of your bloodwork with you and explain what they mean and what any abnormalities may indicate. Continuous Glucose Monitor Cgm Is It Better Than A Standard Meter