Key insights

• ⚡ Fasting glucose measures glucose in the bloodstream when fasted.
• 💉 Levels below 100 mg/dL are healthy; 100-126 mg/dL indicate pre-diabetes.
• 📈 Levels above 126 mg/dL indicate type 2 diabetes.
• 🔬 Insulin and HbA1c tests are important for measuring insulin resistance and long-term glucose levels.
• ❤️ Maintaining fasting blood glucose below 85 mg/dL is optimal for cardiovascular health.
• 🔍 HbA1c test provides insight into glucose levels over a longer period.
• 📉 HbA1c below 5.7% is considered normal.
• ⏳ Fasting insulin levels are crucial for understanding metabolic health and predicting changes in glucose levels.

Q&A

• What are the key tests for monitoring diabetes risk?

  Key tests include fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, and the H IR ratio. Continuous glucose monitors can be used to focus on post-meal glucose variation, and implementing science-backed food hacks can help improve test results.

• What is the significance of the H IR ratio?

  The H IR ratio, combining fasting insulin and glucose, is used to measure insulin resistance, with a ratio < 2 indicating good insulin sensitivity, 2-3 indicating early insulin resistance, and >3 indicating significant insulin resistance.

• Why are fasting insulin levels essential?

  Insulin is crucial for disposing of excess glucose in the body, and measuring fasting insulin levels is essential for assessing metabolic health, predicting changes in glucose levels, and determining the risk of developing pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

• How does the glycation process relate to aging and glucose levels?

  The glycation process, influenced by glucose levels, affects aging. The HbA1c test measures glycation of red blood cells, indicating glucose levels over 2-3 months, with a goal of keeping HbA1c below 5.7% for normal levels.

• What does the HbA1c test indicate?

  The HbA1c test provides insight into glucose levels over a longer period, typically over the past two to three months, offering a comprehensive view of long-term glucose management.

• What is the optimal fasting blood glucose level for cardiovascular health?

  Maintaining a fasting blood glucose level below 85 mg/dL appears to be optimal for cardiovascular health. Doctors should communicate the significance of glucose levels and advocate for lifestyle changes to maintain healthy levels.

• Why are insulin and HbA1c tests important?

  These tests help measure insulin resistance and long-term glucose levels, providing crucial information for detecting and managing issues related to pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

• What are the optimal levels for fasting glucose?

  Fasting glucose levels should be below 100 mg/dL for healthy individuals. Levels between 100-126 mg/dL indicate pre-diabetes, while levels above 126 mg/dL indicate type 2 diabetes.

• What are the important blood tests for measuring glucose health and insulin resistance?

  Key tests include fasting glucose, insulin, and HbA1c. These tests provide insights into glucose levels, insulin resistance, and long-term glucose management.

• 00:00 There are important blood tests for measuring glucose health and insulin resistance. Fasting glucose is a standard measure of glucose health, but it's incomplete. Key tests to run include fasting glucose, insulin, and HbA1c. Results can indicate pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
• 03:45 Maintaining a fasting blood glucose level below 85 mg/dL appears to be optimal for cardiovascular health. Doctors should communicate the significance of glucose levels and advocate for lifestyle changes to maintain healthy levels. HbA1c test provides insight into glucose levels over a longer period.
• 07:14 The glycation process, influenced by glucose levels, affects aging. HbA1c test measures glycated red blood cells, indicating glucose levels over 2-3 months. Keeping HbA1c below 5.7% is considered normal. Fasting insulin levels are more important than fasting glucose in understanding health.
• 10:44 Insulin helps dispose of excess glucose in the body, but over time, the body can become resistant to insulin, leading to insulin resistance. Measuring fasting insulin levels is crucial for determining the health of the metabolism and predicting glucose level changes. Fasting insulin levels can indicate the risk of developing pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
• 14:43 The optimal range for insulin is crucial for detecting and preventing pre-diabetes or diabetes. Fasting insulin levels should be checked, as it is the most important test, and can be measured with the H IR ratio to determine insulin resistance.
• 18:36 Key tests for monitoring diabetes risk include fasting glucose, hb1c, and fasting insulin; use the H IR ratio to assess insulin sensitivity. For those using continuous glucose monitors, focus on post-meal glucose variation rather than absolute numbers. Work with your doctor to improve test results by implementing science-backed food hacks.