GLP-1 Advanced

A comprehensive physiologic deep dive to personalize GLP-1 therapy, detect complications, and track whole-body adaptation over time.

Performing LabsQuest Diagnostics, Access Medical Laboratories

Specimen TypeBlood

Collection LocationAt Home or Lab Visit

Fasting RequiredYes

About GLP-1 Advanced

The GLP-1 Advanced Panel expands on the GLP-1 Essentials Panel by evaluating additional organ systems and hormonal pathways that influence both the benefits and risks of GLP-1 medications. It is especially useful for patients pursuing aggressive metabolic improvement, longevity goals, or long-term therapy.

Pancreatic enzymes amylase and lipase are included to monitor for pancreatic stress, which is uncommon but clinically important to detect early. ApoB provides a more accurate measure of atherogenic lipoprotein burden than LDL alone, helping assess true cardiovascular risk reduction during treatment. Uric acid is tracked because rapid weight loss and changes in insulin levels can transiently raise levels and trigger gout in susceptible individuals.

Thyroid markers TSH, free T4, and free T3 help identify thyroid dysfunction that can blunt fat loss, mimic GLP-1 side effects like fatigue, or complicate dose adjustments. Ferritin, albumin, total protein, and globulin provide insight into nutritional status, inflammation, and protein intake during appetite suppression. Testosterone adds important context for body composition, energy, and metabolic health, particularly in men.

Kidney markers BUN and creatinine assess renal safety during weight loss and changes in blood pressure or hydration. A full blood count including red cells, white cells, and platelets helps detect anemia, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, or immune changes that may not be clinically obvious early on. Additional liver markers including ALP and bilirubin give a more complete picture of bile flow and liver adaptation as fat mass and insulin resistance improve.

Repeated over time, the GLP-1 Advanced Panel allows you to distinguish expected physiologic changes from true adverse effects, personalize dosing, and ensure that metabolic gains are not coming at the expense of long-term health.

51 Biomarkers Included

Amylase

A digestive enzyme that breaks down starch into sugars and helps diagnose pancreatic and salivary gland conditions.

Lipase

An enzyme that helps digest fats, with elevated levels often linked to pancreatic inflammation.

Apolipoprotein B

A protein on cholesterol-carrying particles that drive plaque buildup in the arteries, and considered a top risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Total Cholesterol

A lipid crucial for proper functioning of cells and carried throughout your body in particles called lipoproteins.

LDL Cholesterol

A form of cholesterol that can accumulate in artery walls; elevated levels a risk factor for heart disease.

HDL Cholesterol

The amount of cholesterol carried in a type of lipoprotein called HDL, which plays many roles, including the removal of cholesterol from your artery walls.

VLDL Cholesterol

The amount of cholesterol carried in a type of atherogenic lipoprotein called VLDL. Too much can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and heart disease.

Triglycerides

A type of fat found that signals insulin resistance and increases risk for heart disease and pancreatitis.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

A protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation and linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Uric Acid

A waste product from the breakdown of purines, which can cause gout or indicate insulin resistance.

Insulin

A hormone that moves sugar into cells and controls fat storage, linked to diabetes and metabolic health.

Glucose

A sugar that fuels every cell and organ and signals early signs of diabetes when elevated.

Hemoglobin A1c

The percentage of hemoglobin with glucose attached; higher levels reflect poor blood sugar control and increased risk for diabetes.

Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance

An index showing how hard your body works to keep blood sugar under control and revealing early insulin resistance linked to diabetes and heart disease.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

A hormone that controls how much thyroid hormone your body makes and signals whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive.

Free Thyroxine

A hormone produced by the thyroid that acts as your body’s metabolic reserve, waiting to be converted into its active form (T3) when needed.

Free Triiodothyronine

A thyroid hormone that reflects how much active energy-regulating hormone is available to your cells.

Vitamin D (25-hydroxy)

A fat-soluble vitamin that helps regulate calcium levels and supports bone, immune, heart, and brain health.

Ferritin

A protein that stores iron in the body and helps assess iron levels, with abnormal values linked to deficiency, overload, or inflammation.

Vitamin B12

A water-soluble vitamin essential for red blood cell production, nerve protection, and DNA repair.

Vitamin B9

A water-soluble vitamin that fuels DNA production and cell repair, helping support heart health and prevent anemia.

Total Testosterone

A hormone involved in muscle maintenance, libido, mood, red blood cell production, and metabolic function.

Albumin

A protein that maintains fluid balance and carries hormones, vitamins, and drugs through your bloodstream.

Alkaline Phosphatase

An enzyme important for many processes in your liver and bones; high levels can indicate disease in these areas.

Alanine Aminotransferase

An enzyme released from liver cells that reveals early signs of liver stress, inflammation, or damage.

Aspartate Aminotransferase

An enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism that signals liver or heart damage when released into the bloodstream.

Total Bilirubin

A byproduct of the breakdown of blood cells that reflects liver processing and signals risks for liver disease, bile duct problems, and red blood cell breakdown.

Total Protein

A combined level of all proteins in the blood, used to assess nutritional status, liver function, and chronic inflammation.

Blood Urea Nitrogen

A nitrogen-rich waste product that reflects kidney function and hydration status.

Creatinine

A breakdown product of creatine phosphate in the muscle and typically filtered out by the kidneys.

Calcium

A mineral that supports bones, muscles, and nerves while signaling risks of kidney, parathyroid, or bone disorders.

Chloride

An electrolyte that plays a critical role in maintaining your body's salt-water balance.

Sodium

An electrolyte that regulates fluid balance, mineral balance, and blood pressure in your body.

Potassium

A mineral that powers cells, supports heart rhythm, and protects against high blood pressure and stroke.

Bicarbonate

An electrolyte used by the body to help neutralize excess acids in your blood and maintain pH balance.

RBC Count

The number of red blood cells in a test sample. An abnormal level can be a result of anemia or clotting disorders.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen and signals anemia when levels are low.

Hematocrit

Proportion of blood made up of red blood cells, reflecting oxygen-carrying capacity and blood thickness.

Mean Corpuscular Volume

A measure of red blood cell size that helps identify causes of anemia and signals broader health risks.

MCH

The average amount of hemoglobin inside your red blood cells, which is essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

MCHC

The average concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells, which is crucial for carrying oxygen and other bodily functions.

RDW

A measure of the variation in size of red blood cells, which can impact their ability to deliver oxygen.

WBC Count

The frontline defenders of your immune system, helping your body fight off harmful substances and infections.

Neutrophil Count

A type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in the body's defense against infection.

Monocyte Count

A type of white blood cell that removes damaged tissues, destroys cancer cells, and defends against foreign substances.

Lymphocyte Count

A type of white blood cell that destroys cancer cells, produces antibodies, and directly attacks abnormal cells.

Eosinophil Count

A type of white blood cell that defends your body against parasites and allergies, but also cause of organ damage in high numbers.

Basophil Count

A rare type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in immune surveillance and allergic reactions.

Platelet Count

Small blood cells that help the body to stop bleeding by forming blood clots when necessary.

Total Globulin

A key group of proteins essential for immune function, nutrient transport, and blood clotting.

MPV

The average size of platelets in the blood and helps assess platelet function and diagnose conditions related to blood clotting and bone marrow health.