We all want to live our healthiest lives, don’t we?

To achieve that, it is important for us to keep a tab on our metabolic health. So, let us explore the world of biomarkers—the indicators that help us understand and track our metabolic well-being.

We have listed a few key biomarkers and their normal ranges that will help you keep your metabolic health in check.

1. Blood Glucose Levels

Blood glucose level or sugar levels is a number that gives us insights into how the body processes and utilizes glucose.

High blood sugar levels may indicate diabetes, while low levels could be a sign of hypoglycemia.

Normal range

Fasting blood sugar                : < 99 mg/dL

Postprandial blood sugar        : < 140 mg/dL

2. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

HbA1c is like a long-term snapshot of our blood glucose levels. It measures the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.

Normal range

Healthy           : < 5.7%

Prediabetes      : 5.7% – 6.4%

Diabetes          : > 6.5%

3. Lipid Profile

Lipid profile gives us valuable insights into our cholesterol and triglyceride levels. High levels of LDL and triglycerides may indicate the risk of heart disease and other metabolic disorders.

Normal range

Total cholesterol         : < 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)

LDL                            : < 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L)

HDL                            : > 60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L)

Triglyceride                : < 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)

4. Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI provides a rough estimate of whether we’re within a healthy weight range based on our height and weight.

However, it’s important to note that BMI doesn’t take muscle mass or body composition into account. So, use it as a starting point, but don’t rely solely on it.

Normal range: Between 18.5 and 24.9

5. Waist Circumference

Waist circumference offers valuable insights into our abdominal fat distribution. Excess abdominal fat is associated with a higher risk of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Normal range

Men                 : up to 40 inches (102 cm)

Women           : up to 35 inches (88 cm)

6. Blood Pressure

A high blood pressure puts strain on our cardiovascular system and increases the risk of heart diseases.

Normal range: Below 120/80 mmHg.

7. Inflammatory Markers

Inflammation plays a significant role in metabolic health. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers—such as C-reactive protein (CRP)—may indicate chronic inflammation, which can contribute to insulin resistance and other metabolic imbalances.

Conclusion

Tracking biomarkers is like having a window into our metabolic health.

Also remember, it’s not about obsessing over numbers but using them as tools to maintain a healthy and vibrant life. So, let’s embrace the power of biomarkers and embark on a journey to optimize our metabolic well-being.

Cheers to a healthier, happier you!