Ulta Lab Tests

Core GLP-1 Microdosing Panel

Comprehensive GLP-1 metabolic monitoring panel including Hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose, insulin, lipid panel, hs-CRP, and full metabolic panel with liver enzymes, kidney markers, and electrolytes. Designed to support baseline assessment and ongoing monitoring of glycemic control, insulin resistance, cardiometabolic risk, and organ function during GLP-1–based therapy.

Serum, Blood
Phlebotomist

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Chem 12, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP, SMA 12, SMA 20

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

GFR-AFRICAN AMERICAN

GFR-NON AFRICAN AMERICAN

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

Also known as: A1c, Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycohemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, HA1c, HbA1c, Hemoglobin A1c, Hemoglobin A1c HgbA1C, Hgb A1c

HEMOGLOBIN A1C

The A1c test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months. It does this by measuring the concentration of glycated (also often called glycosylated) hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transporting protein found inside red blood cells (RBCs). There are several types of normal hemoglobin, but the predominant form – about 95-98% – is hemoglobin A. As glucose circulates in the blood, some of it spontaneously binds to hemoglobin A. The hemoglobin molecules with attached glucose are called glycated hemoglobin. The higher the concentration of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed. Once the glucose binds to the hemoglobin, it remains there for the life of the red blood cell – normally about 120 days. The predominant form of glycated hemoglobin is referred to as HbA1c or A1c. A1c is produced on a daily basis and slowly cleared from the blood as older RBCs die and younger RBCs (with non-glycated hemoglobin) take their place. This test is used to monitor treatment in someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to evaluate how well their glucose levels have been controlled by treatment over time. This test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes or risk of developing diabetes. In 2010, clinical practice guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) stated that A1c may be added to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as an option for diabetes screening and diagnosis. For monitoring purposes, an A1c of less than 7% indicates good glucose control and a lower risk of diabetic complications for the majority of diabetics. However, in 2012, the ADA and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) issued a position statement recommending that the management of glucose control in type 2 diabetes be more "patient-centered." Data from recent studies have shown that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause complications and that people with risk of severe hypoglycemia, underlying health conditions, complications, and a limited life expectancy do not necessarily benefit from having a stringent goal of less than 7% for their A1c. The statement recommends that people work closely with their doctor to select a goal that reflects each person's individual health status and that balances risks and benefits.

Also known as: C-Reactive Protein, Cardio CRP, Cardio hs-CRP, CRP, High Sensitivity CRP, High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, High-sensitivity CRP, Highly Sensitive CRP, hsCRP, Ultra-sensitive CRP

Hs Crp

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test may be used by itself, in combination with other cardiac risk markers, or in combination with a lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) test that evaluates vascular inflammation. The hs-CRP test accurately detects low concentrations of C-reactive protein to help predict a healthy person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-sensitivity CRP is promoted by some as a test for determining a person's risk level for CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. The current thinking is that hs-CRP can play a role in the evaluation process before a person develops one of these health problems.

Also known as: Insulin (fasting)

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. It is vital for the transportation and storage of glucose at the cellular level, helps regulate blood glucose levels, and has a role in lipid metabolism. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, insulin is released to allow glucose to move into tissue cells, especially muscle and adipose (fat) cells, where is it is used for energy production. Insulin then prompts the liver to either store the remaining excess blood glucose as glycogen for short-term energy storage and/or to use it to produce fatty acids. The fatty acids are eventually used by adipose tissue to synthesize triglycerides to form the basis of a longer term, more concentrated form of energy storage. Without insulin, glucose cannot reach most of the body's cells. Without glucose, the cells starve and blood glucose levels rise to unhealthy levels. This can cause disturbances in normal metabolic processes that result in various disorders, including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and vision and neurological problems. Thus, diabetes, a disorder associated with decreased insulin effects, is eventually a life-threatening condition.

Also known as: Cholesterol, HDL,Fasting Lipids,Cholesterol, LDL, Fasting Lipids, Lipid Panel (fasting), Lipid Profile (fasting), Lipids

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

LDL-Cholesterol

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
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The Core GLP-1 Microdosing Panel panel contains 5 tests with 30 biomarkers .

Foundational Metabolic Monitoring for GLP-1–Based Treatment Strategies

The Core GLP-1 Microdosing Panel is a comprehensive laboratory assessment designed to support metabolic monitoring in individuals using or considering GLP-1–based therapies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are increasingly used in the management of blood sugar regulation and weight-related metabolic conditions. Because these therapies influence glucose metabolism, insulin signaling, appetite regulation, and cardiometabolic markers, structured laboratory monitoring is an important component of care.

This panel evaluates key biomarkers related to glycemic control, insulin response, lipid metabolism, liver function, kidney function, systemic inflammation, and electrolyte balance. It includes Hemoglobin A1c, fasting Glucose (as part of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel), Insulin, a full Lipid Panel, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), and a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) with liver enzymes, kidney markers, and electrolytes.

By combining short-term and long-term glucose markers with cardiometabolic and organ function testing, this panel provides a broad overview of metabolic health. It is designed to help healthcare providers assess baseline status prior to initiating GLP-1 therapy, monitor changes during treatment, or evaluate overall metabolic trends over time.

The Core GLP-1 Microdosing Panel offers a clinically grounded framework for assessing how glucose regulation, lipid levels, inflammatory markers, and organ function respond within a structured metabolic management plan.

When and Why Someone Would Order This Panel

Baseline Assessment Before GLP-1 Therapy

Individuals considering GLP-1–based treatment strategies may benefit from baseline metabolic testing. Establishing pre-treatment values for Hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose, insulin, lipid levels, liver enzymes, and kidney markers allows healthcare providers to evaluate current metabolic status and determine appropriate monitoring intervals.

Baseline testing also provides a reference point for assessing how the body responds to therapy over time. Understanding starting glucose patterns, insulin levels, and cardiometabolic markers helps support evidence-based clinical decisions.

Monitoring Glycemic and Metabolic Changes

GLP-1 therapies influence glucose regulation and insulin dynamics. Periodic monitoring of Hemoglobin A1c and fasting glucose helps evaluate longer-term glycemic trends. Measuring fasting insulin provides additional insight into insulin sensitivity patterns.

Changes in lipid levels and inflammatory markers may also occur with metabolic shifts. The Lipid Panel and hs-CRP offer further context regarding cardiometabolic risk patterns during treatment.

Evaluating Liver and Kidney Function

Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, and Bilirubin) and kidney markers (Creatinine, eGFR, and BUN) are included because metabolic therapies and weight-related changes can influence organ function. Monitoring these markers helps ensure safe and appropriate oversight.

Ongoing Preventive Health Monitoring

Even outside of GLP-1 therapy, this panel may be used for individuals seeking structured evaluation of metabolic health, insulin resistance patterns, dyslipidemia, or cardiometabolic risk factors.

Overall, this panel supports both baseline assessment and longitudinal monitoring within a comprehensive metabolic care framework.

What Does the Panel Measure?

Glycemic Control Markers

  • Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): Reflects average blood glucose levels over approximately three months, offering insight into long-term glycemic trends.

  • Glucose (Fasting): Measured as part of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel; provides a snapshot of current blood sugar levels.

Together, these markers assess both short-term and longer-term glucose regulation.

Insulin and Metabolic Signaling

  • Insulin (Fasting): Evaluates insulin production and may help assess insulin resistance when interpreted alongside glucose values.

This pairing helps clarify metabolic efficiency and insulin sensitivity patterns.

Lipid Panel

  • Total Cholesterol

  • LDL-Cholesterol

  • HDL-Cholesterol

  • Triglycerides

These markers evaluate lipid metabolism and provide insight into cardiovascular risk factors associated with metabolic health.

Inflammatory Marker

  • High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP): Assesses low-grade systemic inflammation, which is often associated with cardiometabolic conditions.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

The CMP evaluates:

Liver Function

  • ALT

  • AST

  • ALP

  • Bilirubin

Kidney Function

  • Creatinine

  • Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

Electrolyte Balance

  • Sodium

  • Potassium

  • Chloride

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

These markers collectively assess organ function, metabolic balance, and overall physiological stability.

How Patients and Healthcare Providers Use the Results

Assessing Glycemic Trends

Healthcare providers use Hemoglobin A1c and fasting glucose to evaluate blood sugar control. In individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, trends in these values help determine whether glycemic targets are being met. Improvements or changes during GLP-1 therapy can be tracked over time.

Evaluating Insulin Resistance

Elevated fasting insulin levels in the presence of normal or mildly elevated glucose may suggest insulin resistance. Identifying this pattern early supports preventive and therapeutic decision-making.

Monitoring Cardiometabolic Risk

Lipid panel results help evaluate changes in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. hs-CRP provides additional context regarding inflammatory activity. Together, these markers inform cardiovascular risk assessment.

Ensuring Liver and Kidney Safety

ALT, AST, ALP, Bilirubin, Creatinine, eGFR, and BUN help monitor liver and kidney function. These values are important for individuals undergoing metabolic treatment to ensure organ systems remain stable.

Supporting Long-Term Metabolic Management

By integrating glucose, insulin, lipid, inflammatory, and organ function markers, this panel provides a structured framework for ongoing metabolic monitoring. Healthcare providers interpret results alongside clinical history, weight trends, and treatment goals to guide individualized care.

A Structured Approach to Metabolic Monitoring

The Core GLP-1 Microdosing Panel provides a comprehensive evaluation of key biomarkers involved in glucose regulation, insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and organ function. By combining short-term and long-term glycemic markers with cardiometabolic and safety-focused laboratory testing, this panel supports informed metabolic health assessment.

GLP-1–based therapies and metabolic interventions influence multiple interconnected pathways. Objective laboratory monitoring helps clarify how these systems respond over time. Whether used for baseline evaluation or longitudinal tracking, this panel offers a clinically relevant foundation for metabolic care.

Through integrated biomarker analysis and thoughtful clinical interpretation, patients and healthcare providers can engage in data-driven discussions about metabolic health, cardiometabolic risk, and long-term wellness strategies grounded in measurable laboratory insights.

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