GLP-1 Health Checkup

The GLP-1 Health Checkup evaluates multiple parameters such as blood sugar control, lipid levels, liver and kidney function, and thyroid health. It helps your doctor understand metabolic and hormonal health factors that can affect your weight and nutritional status. 

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) is a natural hormone in the body that helps control blood sugar levels, slows down digestion, and helps control appetite. Because of these effects, GLP-1 agonists (medicines that work like natural GLP-1) are commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and are also used for managing weight in people with obesity.

The GLP-1 Health Checkup does not directly measure GLP-1 levels. Instead, it evaluates how your body responds to this hormone by analysing multiple related parameters such as blood sugar levels, lipid profile, and various other tests. 

This test is usually recommended to check how well your body manages blood sugar, metabolism, and overall health. It may be advised when evaluating conditions like diabetes or obesity. 

Common Symptoms to Watch For: 

• Feeling very thirsty or needing to urinate often
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight changes
• Blurred vision

Who Should Consider This Test 

• Individuals exploring medical weight-loss options
• People with changes in blood sugar levels, prediabetes, diabetes, or insulin resistance
• People with high blood pressure
• People with a family history of diabetes
• People with heart failure and chronic kidney disease
• People with obesity
• People over the age of 45 years

Doctors may also suggest this test if you have symptoms related to appetite changes or overall energy.

The frequency of this test depends on your health condition and your doctor’s advice. Some components of this test, such as HbA1c, are used to monitor blood sugar levels over time and are tested at regular intervals in people with diabetes.

The table below gives a general idea of when this test may be recommended: 

The GLP-1 Health Checkup helps identify a range of metabolic and organ-related conditions by analysing parameters like blood sugar control, insulin response, organ function, and nutritional status. These include: 

• Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: This test checks for parameters like HbA1c, which reflect average blood sugar levels over time. High values may indicate diabetes or a higher risk of developing it.
• Insulin Resistance: The HOMA-IR index parameter in this test helps assess how well your body responds to insulin. Higher values suggest reduced insulin sensitivity, which can lead to type 2 diabetes if not managed.
• Cardiovascular (Heart) Risk: Lipid profile and apolipoproteins help evaluate cholesterol levels and fat transport in the body. Abnormal values can increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.
• Liver Disorders: Liver function tests measure enzymes and proteins that help detect liver injury or inflammation. Changes in these values may indicate conditions such as liver damage or bile flow problems.
• Kidney Dysfunction: Kidney function tests assess how well your kidneys filter waste products like creatinine and urea. Abnormal results may suggest reduced kidney function or early kidney disease.
• Pancreatic Disorders: Enzymes such as amylase and lipase help detect inflammation of the pancreas (such as pancreatitis) or other pancreatic issues.
• Nutritional Deficiencies (Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D): Low levels of vitamin B12 may affect red blood cell formation and nerve function, while vitamin D deficiency can affect bone health and overall body function.
• Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism. Abnormal TSH levels may indicate an underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

What to Expect Before the GLP-1 Health Checkup Test

You must fast for 8 to 10 hours before the test. During the fasting period, drink plain water freely. Avoid all food, milk, tea, coffee, juices, and beverages other than water. Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 24 hours, as both can falsely elevate triglyceride levels. Avoid strenuous exercise in the 24 hours before the test. Continue your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. Morning appointments are strongly recommended.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

A phlebotomist cleans the skin with an antiseptic, then places an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins easier to access. A small needle is inserted into the vein - you may feel a brief pinch. Blood is collected into a labelled tube in under a minute.

What to Expect After the GLP-1 Health Checkup Test

A small cotton swab and bandage are placed over the site to stop any minor bleeding. You can eat and drink immediately after the test - have a light meal as soon as possible after the fast. If dizzy, sit and relax for a few minutes.

This test checks for 72 parameters, as follows: 

Thyroid Profile (3 Parameters) 

The thyroid profile evaluates how well your thyroid gland is functioning. Thyroid hormones play an important role in controlling metabolism, energy levels, and body weight. 

The thyroid profile evaluates how well your thyroid gland is functioning. Thyroid hormones play an important role in controlling metabolism, energy levels, and body weight. 

Includes: 

• Triiodothyronine (T3) 
• Thyroxine (T4) 
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone - Ultrasensitive (TSH-Ultrasensitive) 

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) (12 Parameters) 

These tests help assess liver health by measuring liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin levels. They help detect liver injury, inflammation, or problems in bile flow. 

Includes: 

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT) 
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT) 
• SGOT/SGPT Ratio 
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) 
• Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) 
• Total Bilirubin 
• Direct Bilirubin 
• Indirect Bilirubin 
• Total Protein 
• Albumin 
• Globulin 
• Albumin/Globulin Ratio 

Renal/Kidney Function Tests (RFTs/KFTs) (8 Parameters) 

These tests evaluate how well your kidneys filter waste products from the body and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. They are important for detecting early kidney disease.

Includes:

• Uric Acid 
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) 
• Calcium 
• Creatinine
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) 
• Urea/Creatinine Ratio 
• BUN/Creatinine Ratio 
• Urea (Calculated) 

Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Panel) (10 Parameters) 

This test measures different types of fats in the blood and helps assess the risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Includes: 

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Direct 
• Total Cholesterol (TC) 
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol 
• Triglycerides 
• Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Cholesterol 
• LDL/HDL Ratio 
• TC/HDL Cholesterol Ratio 
• Non-HDL Cholesterol 
• HDL/LDL Cholesterol Ratio 
• Triglycerides/HDL Ratio 

Cardiac Risk Markers (5 Parameters) 

These markers provide additional information about heart health and inflammation, helping to assess cardiovascular risk more accurately.

Includes:

• Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A1) 
• Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) 
• High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) 
• Lipoprotein (a) 
• Apo B/A1 Ratio 

Diabetes Profile (2 Parameters) 

These tests help evaluate blood sugar control and long-term glucose levels in the blood. They are important for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. 

Includes:

• HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)
• Average Blood Glucose 

 Insulin Resistance Test (HOMA-IR) (1 Parameter) 

This test helps assess how effectively your body responds to insulin and can identify early insulin resistance. 

Includes: 

• HOMA-IR Index 

 Pancreatic Enzymes (2 Parameters) 

These tests help evaluate pancreatic health and can detect inflammation such as pancreatitis. 

Includes:

• Amylase 
• Lipase 

Complete Blood Count (CBC) (24 Parameters) 

The CBC test measures different types of blood cells and provides an overview of your general health, immunity, and possible infections. 

Includes:

• Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) 
• Haemoglobin (Hb) 
• Platelet Count 
• Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) 
• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) 
• Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) 
• Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) 
• Total Leukocyte Count (TLC/WBC) 
• Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) 
• Absolute Basophil Count (ABC) 
• Packed Cell Volume (PCV) 
• Neutrophils 
• Lymphocytes 
• Monocytes 
• Eosinophils 
• Basophils 
• Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) 
• Absolute Monocyte Count (AMC) 
• Immature Granulocyte Percentage (IG%) 
• Red Cell Distribution Width - SD (RDW-SD) 
• Nucleated Red Blood Cells Percentage (NRBC%) 
• Immature Granulocytes (IG) 
• Nucleated Red Blood Cells (NRBC) 
• Red Cell Distribution Width - CV (RDW-CV) 

Serum Electrolytes (3 Parameters) 

These tests measure essential minerals in the body and help assess hydration status, nerve function, and muscle activity. 

Includes: 

• Sodium 
• Potassium 
• Chloride 

Vitamin Profile (2 Parameters)

These tests help detect key nutritional deficiencies that can affect metabolism, energy, and overall health. 

Includes: 

• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D

The normal range for each parameter indicates the values considered normal for that parameter. These values may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and testing method used. The table below shows commonly accepted reference ranges for key parameters included in the GLP-1 Health Checkup. 

Normal Range of Key Parameters in GLP-1 Test

The interpretation of this test depends on multiple parameters rather than a single value. Each result helps your doctor understand how your body systems are functioning. 

The table below explains what high or low values of some of the key parameters may indicate. These interpretations are general and should always be reviewed along with your medical history and symptoms. 

Potential Risks and Complications

This health checkup involves a simple blood test, which is generally safe and well tolerated. You may feel a mild prick or slight discomfort when the needle is inserted to collect the blood sample. In some cases, there may be minor bruising, swelling, or slight throbbing at the needle insertion site after the test.

A few people may experience temporary dizziness or light-headedness during or after the procedure, although this is uncommon. There is also a very small risk of infection or bleeding at the puncture site, but such complications are rare and usually resolve quickly without treatment.

 Understanding GLP-1 Health Checkup Test Limitations

Test results may vary slightly depending on the laboratory methods and reference ranges used. It is also important to understand that a single abnormal value does not always confirm a specific condition. In some cases, further tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis or identify the underlying cause. Therefore, results should always be interpreted by a doctor in the context of your symptoms and medical history.