Ulta Lab Tests

Visceral Fat & Insulin Resistance Panel

Evaluate metabolic health and insulin sensitivity with the Visceral Fat and Insulin Resistance Panel. This panel includes glucose, insulin, lipid, inflammation, and liver markers to provide insight into visceral fat related metabolic function, energy regulation, and cardiometabolic risk factors.

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: Gamma Glutamyl Transferase GGT, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase, Gamma-GT, GGTP, GTP

Ggt

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is a test to measure the amount of the enzyme GGT 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: Lipid Panel with Ratios (fasting), Lipid Profile with Ratios (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

LDL/HDL Ratio

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 Visceral Fat & Insulin Resistance Panel panel contains 6 tests with 32 biomarkers .

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Metabolic Function and Insulin Sensitivity

The Visceral Fat and Insulin Resistance Panel is a comprehensive blood test designed to evaluate key biomarkers associated with metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and the physiological effects of visceral fat. Visceral fat is metabolically active and closely linked to changes in glucose regulation, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and liver function. This panel combines foundational metabolic tests with additional markers that provide deeper insight into insulin dynamics and systemic inflammation.

By including the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Lipid Panel, and Hemoglobin A1c alongside fasting insulin, high sensitivity C reactive protein, and gamma glutamyl transferase, this panel offers a multidimensional view of metabolic processes. Rather than focusing on a single pathway, it evaluates how glucose metabolism, lipid balance, liver activity, and inflammatory signaling interact. This integrated approach helps provide a clearer understanding of metabolic efficiency and regulatory function.

Fasting insulin adds an important layer by reflecting how the body is responding to glucose at the hormonal level, while Hemoglobin A1c provides a longer term view of blood sugar regulation. High sensitivity C reactive protein offers insight into low grade systemic inflammation, and gamma glutamyl transferase provides additional context for liver function and oxidative stress. Together, these markers help create a more complete picture of metabolic health.

The panel is designed to support both baseline assessment and ongoing monitoring. It is particularly useful for identifying patterns associated with insulin resistance and visceral fat related metabolic changes, offering structured and clinically relevant insight into overall metabolic function.

When and Why Someone Would Order This Panel

Situations That May Prompt Evaluation of Insulin Resistance and Visceral Fat

The Visceral Fat and Insulin Resistance Panel may be considered when there is a need to better understand how the body is regulating glucose, processing lipids, and responding to metabolic stress. Visceral fat is associated with changes in insulin signaling, inflammation, and liver function, making these areas important to evaluate together when exploring metabolic health.

This panel may be ordered in situations where there are concerns related to energy balance, weight distribution, or changes in metabolic performance. Individuals who notice increased abdominal fat accumulation may seek a more detailed assessment of how their metabolism is functioning, even though fat distribution itself is not directly measured through blood tests. The biomarkers included in this panel help provide insight into the metabolic processes often associated with visceral fat.

It may also be useful for evaluating long term glucose regulation and insulin response. Hemoglobin A1c reflects average blood glucose over several months, while fasting insulin provides additional context about how the body is managing glucose at the hormonal level. Together, these markers can help identify patterns that may not be apparent from glucose measurements alone.

Healthcare providers may consider this panel when assessing risk factors related to cardiometabolic health. Lipid levels, inflammatory markers, and liver enzymes are commonly evaluated when exploring patterns associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or cardiovascular risk. High sensitivity C reactive protein can provide insight into low grade inflammation, while gamma glutamyl transferase may reflect liver related metabolic stress.

This panel may also be used for ongoing monitoring in individuals making lifestyle adjustments such as changes in diet, physical activity, or weight management strategies. By tracking these markers over time, it is possible to observe how metabolic pathways respond and adapt, supporting a more informed and personalized approach to health monitoring.

What Does the Panel Measure

Core Biomarker Categories and Their Roles

Glucose Regulation and Insulin Dynamics

Hemoglobin A1c measures the percentage of hemoglobin with glucose attached, reflecting average blood sugar levels over approximately two to three months. Fasting insulin evaluates how the pancreas is responding to glucose and provides insight into insulin sensitivity. When interpreted together, these markers help assess how effectively the body is regulating blood sugar and utilizing insulin.

Lipid Metabolism

The Lipid Panel measures total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. These markers are essential for understanding how fats are transported and processed in the body. Lipid patterns are closely associated with metabolic health and may provide insight into cardiovascular risk and energy storage dynamics.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel includes markers that evaluate glucose, kidney function, liver enzymes, electrolyte balance, and protein levels. Liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase provide information about liver activity, while kidney markers and electrolytes reflect fluid balance and metabolic stability. These markers help provide a broad overview of organ function in relation to metabolism.

Inflammation Marker

High sensitivity C reactive protein is a marker of low grade systemic inflammation. It is often used to assess inflammatory activity that may not produce obvious symptoms but can be associated with metabolic changes and cardiovascular risk. Evaluating hs CRP alongside metabolic markers provides additional context for understanding overall physiological stress.

Liver Function and Oxidative Stress

Gamma glutamyl transferase is an enzyme associated with liver function and oxidative stress. It can provide insight into how the liver is responding to metabolic demands and may be useful when evaluating patterns related to fat metabolism and liver activity.

By combining these categories, the panel offers a comprehensive view of metabolic pathways that are closely linked to visceral fat and insulin resistance.

How Patients and Healthcare Providers Use the Results

Interpreting Metabolic and Hormonal Patterns

Results from the Visceral Fat and Insulin Resistance Panel are typically interpreted by examining relationships between glucose, insulin, lipid levels, inflammation, and liver function markers. Rather than relying on a single value, healthcare providers assess patterns across these systems to understand how the body is managing energy balance and metabolic regulation.

For example, Hemoglobin A1c and fasting insulin may be evaluated together to assess how effectively glucose is being controlled and how much insulin is required to maintain that control. Lipid markers provide additional insight into fat metabolism, while hs CRP may reflect underlying inflammatory processes that can influence metabolic health. Gamma glutamyl transferase and other liver markers help provide context for how the liver is processing nutrients and responding to metabolic stress.

Supporting Monitoring and Follow Up

This panel can be used to monitor changes over time, particularly in response to lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, increased physical activity, or weight management efforts. Tracking trends in insulin, glucose, and lipid markers can help determine whether metabolic pathways are improving or require further attention. Repeated testing allows for a more dynamic understanding of metabolic health rather than relying on a single snapshot.

Clinical Context and Broader Health Insights

The results may contribute to the evaluation of conditions such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and metabolic associated liver changes. Inflammatory markers may provide additional context for cardiovascular risk, while liver enzymes can help identify patterns associated with metabolic stress on the liver. These insights can support further evaluation and guide clinical decision making.

It is important that results are interpreted within the context of overall health, lifestyle factors, and clinical history. This panel provides a comprehensive dataset that can help guide next steps, whether that involves additional testing, monitoring, or broader evaluation of metabolic health.

A Comprehensive Perspective on Metabolic Health and Insulin Sensitivity

The Visceral Fat and Insulin Resistance Panel offers a structured and comprehensive approach to evaluating key aspects of metabolic health. By combining foundational metabolic markers with insulin, inflammation, and liver specific biomarkers, it provides a multidimensional view of how the body regulates energy, processes nutrients, and responds to metabolic stress.

Visceral fat is closely linked to metabolic activity, and its effects are reflected in changes across multiple biological systems. This panel captures those changes by evaluating glucose regulation, lipid metabolism, inflammatory signaling, and liver function. The inclusion of fasting insulin adds an important dimension, allowing for a more complete understanding of insulin sensitivity and hormonal regulation.

Designed for both baseline assessment and ongoing monitoring, the panel supports a deeper understanding of metabolic patterns over time. It provides clinically relevant information that can help identify trends, support further evaluation, and contribute to a more informed approach to health monitoring.

By emphasizing clarity, completeness, and integration across systems, the Visceral Fat and Insulin Resistance Panel reinforces the value of a comprehensive approach to metabolic health. It serves as a reliable tool for exploring how metabolic processes function together and supports a more personalized understanding of insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic balance.

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