Join Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright on Fat Science as they delve into the importance of understanding blood tests for metabolic health. Dr. Cooper provides valuable insights into how these tests can reveal essential details about your metabolism. The episode also highlights the significance of blood markers like A1C, insulin, and hormone levels in maintaining metabolic health. Key Takeaways: Blood tests offer a detailed view into overall health and metabolism, focusing on blood sugar levels, hormones, and cholesterol among other markers. A1C or HbA1C measures average blood sugar over three months, identifying normal range, pre-diabetes, or diabetes. However, it's essential to recognize potential inaccuracies and the necessity of additional markers. Regular testing and using multiple markers are crucial due to the possibility of variations in single tests. The importance of understanding the relationship between glucose and insulin levels is emphasized. Hormone levels like testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, and insulin play a key role in metabolic health and are interconnected with metabolic functions and well-being. Early detection through advanced blood tests, such as fasting insulin and LDL particle analysis, is vital for managing metabolic dysfunction effectively. Personal Stories & Practical Advice: Andrea shares her positive outcomes from discussing expanded test panels with her doctors, resulting in a better understanding of her health. Mark discusses his experience with testosterone therapy and the resulting improvements in energy and mood. Resources from the episode: Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn. Connect with Andrea Taylor on LinkedIn. Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn. Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from and why it won’t go (and stay!) away. In each episode, we share little-known facts and personal experiences to dispel misconceptions, reduce stigma, and instill hope. Fat Science is committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email [email protected].