Understanding Your Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Results
Critical Finding: Low Glucose
Your fasting glucose of 51 mg/dL is significantly below normal and requires immediate attention, as glucose levels below 70 mg/dL are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and can cause symptoms of hypoglycemia. 1
What This Means
- Your glucose level is in the hypoglycemic range (normal fasting: 65-139 mg/dL), which can cause symptoms like shakiness, confusion, sweating, or weakness 2
- Research shows that fasting glucose below 70 mg/dL increases stroke risk by 6-11% compared to optimal levels 1
- The optimal fasting glucose range for lowest cardiovascular risk is 85-99 mg/dL 1
- True hypoglycemia requires that symptoms occur when glucose is low and are absent at other times 3
Immediate Actions Needed
- Contact your physician immediately to discuss this result, especially if you're experiencing symptoms 2
- If you're taking diabetes medications (particularly insulin or sulfonylureas), these may need adjustment 2
- Avoid fasting or skipping meals until evaluated 4
- Check if you were truly fasting for 8-12 hours before the test, as non-fasting samples can be misleading 5
Elevated Findings Requiring Follow-Up
High Lipoprotein(a): 345 nmol/L
Your Lp(a) level is markedly elevated and places you in the high cardiovascular risk category (>125 nmol/L is high risk). 6
- This is an independent cardiovascular risk factor that requires aggressive management of other modifiable risk factors 6
- Discuss with your physician about intensifying lipid management and cardiovascular risk reduction strategies 2
Mildly Elevated Total Protein: 8.5 g/dL and Albumin: 5.5 g/dL
- These mild elevations often indicate dehydration rather than disease 2
- Can also occur with concentrated blood samples 2
- Recheck after ensuring adequate hydration 2
Normal Results Worth Noting
Metabolic Syndrome Assessment
You do NOT meet criteria for metabolic syndrome based on available data. 2, 5
- Your blood pressure, glucose (when not hypoglycemic), HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides would need to be assessed together with waist circumference 2
- Three of five criteria must be present: central obesity (waist >102 cm men/>88 cm women), triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL, HDL <40 mg/dL men/<50 mg/dL women, blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg, or fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL 2, 5
Kidney Function: Excellent
- Creatinine 0.85 mg/dL and eGFR 129 mL/min/1.73m² indicate normal kidney function 2
- BUN 12 mg/dL is within normal range 2
Liver Function: Normal
- AST 21 U/L, ALT 20 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 80 U/L, and bilirubin 0.9 mg/dL are all normal 6
- No evidence of liver disease 6
Electrolytes: Normal
- Sodium 138, potassium 4.3, chloride 101, and CO2 29 mmol/L are all within normal ranges 2
- Calcium 10.4 mg/dL is at the upper limit of normal 2
Blood Count: Normal
- Hemoglobin 16.7 g/dL, hematocrit 48.2%, and white blood cell count 6.2 thousand/uL are normal 2
- No evidence of anemia or infection 2
Vitamins and Minerals: Adequate
- Vitamin D 32 ng/mL is optimal (≥30 ng/mL) 2
- Vitamin B6 16.3 ng/mL, Vitamin C 0.5 mg/dL, magnesium 2.3 mg/dL, iron 126 mcg/dL, copper 98 mcg/dL, and zinc 95 mcg/dL are all normal 2
Thyroid: Normal
- TSH 1.22 mIU/L, free T4 1.2 ng/dL, and free T3 3.7 ng/dL indicate normal thyroid function 2
- Thyroid antibodies are negative, ruling out autoimmune thyroid disease 2
Other Markers: Normal
- Ferritin 42 ng/mL indicates adequate iron stores 2
- DHEA sulfate 198 mcg/dL and pregnenolone 82 ng/dL are within normal ranges 2
- Homocysteine 8.2 umol/L is optimal (<12.9 umol/L) 2