For those who’ve been with us for a while, you know how much we value the idea that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. One of the key elements on the path to optimal health is understanding your lab results—they can truly be game-changers. It’s not just about knowing your numbers; it’s about interpreting what they reveal about your health and how you can take action.

We’re diving into some of the most crucial core labs to understand when managing blood sugar and overall health. Knowing these can make all the difference in your journey.

Remember, most bloodwork is done in a fasted state, meaning no food or drink (except water) for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. For example, if your blood draw is at 8 a.m., you’d stop eating and drinking after midnight. Keep in mind that food, caffeine, smoking, certain supplements, and exercise can all impact your lab results.

Fasting Blood Sugar (Glucose)
Normal Range: 70-99 mg/dL

Why It Matters: Blood sugar levels, often referred to as “glucose” or “BG,” are crucial indicators of your metabolic health. Fluctuations in these levels can signal changes in your body’s ability to use insulin, leading to a condition known as insulin resistance. Typically, insulin resistance occurs first, followed by noticeable changes in your blood sugar levels.

Monitoring your blood sugar before and after meals, after fasting, and following physical activity can provide valuable insights into how different foods, exercise, stress, and even sleep affect your blood sugar. Consistently high readings may indicate diabetes or prediabetes.

But don’t fear the numbers!

They are powerful tools for tracking how lifestyle changes and interventions can help you improve. Even if your levels are significantly above the optimal range, these numbers provide a baseline for your health and highlight where to focus your efforts.

Triglycerides
Normal Range: Less than 150 mg/dL
Optimal Range: Less than 100 mg/dL

Why It Matters: Triglycerides (TGs or TRIG on lab results) are long sugar molecules with three fats attached. When we consume too many high-fat foods or processed carbohydrates, triglyceride levels often rise. The body creates triglycerides to store energy from fats and carbohydrates for later use. However, high triglycerides can be harmful, contributing to fat buildup in the blood. This buildup can cause inflammation, lead to artery blockages, and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. Additionally, high triglycerides can lead to fatty liver disease and pancreatic inflammation, impairing the liver’s ability to filter toxins and the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin. Improving blood sugar control and, if applicable, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake are key ways to lower triglycerides.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood. Produced by the liver and present in certain foods, cholesterol is essential for many bodily functions, including vitamin D synthesis, hormone production, bile acid production, and maintaining cell membranes. It’s also crucial for the nervous system and the myelin sheath in the brain, which insulates nerve fibers and ensures efficient nerve signaling. However, not all cholesterol is beneficial—hence the terms “lousy” (bad) and “happy” (good) cholesterol.

Understanding LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): The “Lousy” Cholesterol
Normal Range: Less than 100 mg/dL

Why It Matters: We often refer to LDL as the “lousy” cholesterol to help people remember that it’s the “bad” kind. Think of LDL like grout used for tiling. When your body has high triglycerides or inflammation, it can cause damage or “cracks” in your arteries. Your body produces LDL to “patch” these cracks, much like grout fills the gaps between tiles. However, if there’s too much grout (LDL) and not enough cleanup (HDL), it hardens into a mess—this is how plaque buildup occurs in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. To reduce LDL, focus on lowering triglycerides, boosting HDL, and incorporating more fiber into your diet. Aim for 28-38 grams of fiber daily to help keep LDL in check.

Understanding HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): The “Happy” Cholesterol
Normal Range Women: 50 mg/dL or higher
Normal Range Men: 40 mg/dL or higher

Why It Matters: We call HDL the “happy” cholesterol because it’s the “good” kind that helps keep your heart healthy. Think of HDL like the rag or scraper that cleans up excess grout after you’ve tiled. Just as the rag removes the extra grout, HDL removes other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher HDL levels are beneficial and can protect against heart disease. To boost your HDL, focus on strength training and incorporating healthy (monounsaturated) fats like avocados and almonds into your diet.

Monitoring Blood Pressure: A Vital Health Indicator
Normal Range Systolic: Less than 120 mm Hg
Normal Range Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg

Why It Matters: Blood pressure might not be a lab draw, but it’s crucial to keep an eye on, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with hypertension.

Systolic Blood Pressure: This is the top number, indicating the pressure on your arteries as your heart pumps.

Diastolic Blood Pressure: The bottom number, measuring the pressure on your arteries between heartbeats.

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure. Even if your readings are “normal for you,” elevated levels outside the <120/<80 mm/Hg range still increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and organs, especially the heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys. To manage your blood pressure, focus on quitting smoking, walking daily, staying hydrated, and getting quality sleep. If you’re prescribed blood pressure medication, be sure to take it as directed to support your health.

Vitamin D
Normal Range: 20-50 ng/mL
Optimal Range: Greater than 30 ng/mL and less than 50 ng/mL

Why It Matters: Vitamin D, often listed as 25(OH) D or 25-hydroxyvitamin D in lab results, plays a crucial role in insulin sensitivity, bone health, immune function, and reducing inflammation. As a fat-soluble vitamin, it dissolves in dietary fats like healthy oils. However, for those with excess adipose (fat) tissue, vitamin D may be stored in fat rather than being available in the bloodstream for the body to use.

A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to insulin resistance, bone disorders, muscle weakness, and a higher risk of chronic diseases, including certain cancers and diabetes. Because it’s challenging to get enough vitamin D from food alone, understanding your baseline levels is essential. This will help determine whether supplementation or increased sun exposure is necessary to maintain optimal health.

Vitamin B12
Normal Range: 200-900 pg/ml

Why It Matters: Vitamin B12 is essential for keeping your body’s cells and nerves in top shape. Think of it as the superhero that ensures your blood stays healthy by producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body, giving you energy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can leave you feeling tired, weak, or mentally foggy.

This nutrient is particularly crucial for kids and teens, as it supports brain development and cognitive function. You can boost your vitamin B12 intake with foods like certain mushrooms and nutritional yeast, helping your body stay energized and your mind sharp.

Be Proactive: Take Charge of Your Health

It’s vital to understand the significance of trends in your lab results and the power of being proactive with your health. If you notice values creeping toward the higher end of the “normal” range or slipping out of range, it’s time to act. Early intervention can prevent potential health issues from escalating, helping you maintain your well-being.

By staying informed and making necessary lifestyle changes, you can take control of your health and pave the way for a healthier future. Remember, your lab results are more than just numbers—they’re valuable insights into your body’s current state and a roadmap for making informed decisions on your health journey.

Sending Health Your Way!

The Tula Clinical Team

Reviewed by:
Aubree RN, BSN
Austin MS, RDN, CSR, LDN, CD