Biomarker Testing
Test Smart. Test Cheap.
The hospital wants $500-$1,000 for a basic panel. The same tests through DTC labs cost $75-$150. Here's what to test and where to get it done without burning your budget.
The 8 Markers That Matter
These are the biomarkers most relevant to anyone on GLP-1 therapy. They cover metabolic, cardiovascular, liver, kidney, thyroid, and inflammation status.
HbA1c
Why it matters: Long-term glucose control over 3 months
Expected change on GLP-1s: Significant reduction; many users with prediabetes see normal levels within 6 months
Fasting Glucose
Why it matters: Short-term glucose snapshot
Expected change on GLP-1s: Decreases as insulin sensitivity improves
Fasting Insulin
Why it matters: Insulin resistance marker
Expected change on GLP-1s: Should decrease — your body needs less insulin to manage glucose
Lipid Panel
Why it matters: Cardiovascular risk (cholesterol, triglycerides)
Expected change on GLP-1s: Triglycerides drop fast; LDL improves with weight loss; HDL often rises
ALT / AST
Why it matters: Liver enzymes — track fatty liver
Expected change on GLP-1s: Often improve significantly; peak improvement ~week 30
BUN / Creatinine
Why it matters: Kidney function monitoring
Expected change on GLP-1s: Should remain stable or improve; kidney protection is a known GLP-1 benefit
TSH
Why it matters: Thyroid — rules out unrelated metabolic issues
Expected change on GLP-1s: Should remain stable. If shifting, consult your provider
hs-CRP
Why it matters: Systemic inflammation
Expected change on GLP-1s: Typically decreases with weight loss and improved metabolic health
Where to Get Tested
DTC (direct-to-consumer) labs let you order your own bloodwork without a doctor's referral. Lower prices, faster results, and you keep ownership of your data.
Ulta Lab Tests
Recommended for ongoing monitoring
Wide test selection, consistent pricing, results delivered to your portal. Strong for repeat customers building a long-term lab history.
- • Comprehensive metabolic + lipid panels: ~$50-100
- • Add-ons (Vitamin D, B12, thyroid): $20-40 each
- • Uses Quest Diagnostics labs nationwide
Walk-In Lab
Has a GLP-1-specific panel
Already offers a "GLP-1 Basic Blood Test Panel" specifically built for tracking GLP-1 therapy. Convenient option for getting everything in one order.
- • GLP-1 panel: ~$100
- • Uses Quest or LabCorp depending on location
- • Results in 1-3 business days
Marek Diagnostics
Popular in performance / biohacker community
Pre-built panels designed around hormones, metabolic health, and longevity. Used widely in fitness and biohacking communities.
- • Comprehensive panels with hormone add-ons
- • Designed for repeat testing programs
When to Test
Baseline (before your first dose)
Full panel. This is your reference point.
8-12 weeks in
Same panel as baseline. Now you have something to compare.
Quarterly thereafter
Add Vitamin D, B12, iron, magnesium for nutrition status.
6 and 12 months
Comprehensive review. Add body composition (DEXA or InBody) if possible.
You have results. Now what?
Use our AI prompt template to paste your lab results into Claude or Grok and get a plain-English breakdown.
Analyze with AI →