Metformin Treatment Lab Panel LabCorp

The tests included in our Metformin Treatment Lab Panel are required for all patients interested in being prescribed Metformin, a medication used to help treat Type II Diabetes and control blood sugar. It has been shown to help improve insulin sensitivity, endothelial dysfunction, liver function, cardiovascular protection, lipid control, weight reduction, and decrease inflammation. Below is a breakdown of each test included in this panel: 

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) - Screens 14 different blood tests, which can help serve as an initial medical screening tool to review overall health. These 14 tests include Alanine aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT); albumin; globulin (A:G) ratio; albumin, serum; alkalin ephosphatase, serum; aspartate aminotransferase (AST/SGOT); bilirubin, total; BUN; BUN:creatinine ratio; calcium serum; carbon dioxide, total; chloride, serum; creatinin serum; eGFR calculation; globulin, total; glucose, serum; potassium, serum; protein, total, serum; and sodium, serum. This test is a marker for kidney function, liver, function, electrolyte and fluid balance. 

Complete Blood Count (CBC) - One of the most commonly ordered tests for routine checkups and/or physical exams. This test measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, absolute lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and other blood markers for immune health. The test can be used to aid in diagnosing and treating a large number of other conditions. 

Hemoglobin A1C - Used to evaluate glucose levels in the bloodstream over 2-3 months prior to having the test completed. This is very important to monitor in diabetes management. Scientists believe that keepign blood sugar in the body within a normal range can help individuals with diabetes avoid many of the associated risks and side effects that they can often face. The benefit of having this test completed is to help provide information on overall glycemic health over a several month period. Hemoglobin is stored inr ed blood cells. When glucose levels are elevated, sugar begins to combin ewith hemoglobin. It takes the body 8-12 weeks to bring hemoglobin A1c levels back down to normal. Therefore, if hemoglobin A1c levels are elvated, that usually means that there has been a high level of glucose in the blood over the last 2-3 months. 

Insulin (Fasting) - Measures the amount of insulin, the hormone that transports glucose in to the cells of the body. Glucose, a sugar that comes from food, is the body's main source of energy. Our bodies break down foods that we eat into glucose and other nutrients, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract. Following meals, glucose levels typically rise and trigger the pancreas to make insulin, thereafter releasing it in to the bloodstream. Insulin works like a key that opens the doors to cells and allows glucose to enter. Without insulin, glucose cannot get into the cells and remains in the bloodstream. For good health, the body must be able to keep insulin and glucose levels properly balanced. With too little insulin, blood sugar will decrease (hypoglycemia), causing symptoms such as sweating, trembling, lightheadedness, and possibly shock. The most common cause of abnormal fluctuations inb lood sugar is diabetes. 

Vitamin B12 - Important for maintaining a healthy metabolism, energy, and stress. Metformin can sometimes decrease levels of Vitamin B12 and, in severe cases, cause anemia if a patient is too low prior to treatment. 

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