MetabolicMarkers

Educational content only, not medical advice. We are not a medical provider; review your results with a licensed physician. Details

Current promotion

Diabetes Blood Test Panel: HbA1c, Insulin & Glucose Monitoring

One place to track blood sugar, insulin function, and the kidney and heart markers that move alongside them.

Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission when you purchase lab tests through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

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Individual tests from $4.95 and bundled Diabetes Health panels from $133.95 (promotional pricing at time of writing).

At a glance

The Diabetes Insight collection measures the core markers of blood sugar control, hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose, and insulin, alongside the kidney, lipid, and inflammation markers commonly reviewed with them. It is built for adults who want to screen for markers associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, or to track how well an existing management plan is working. Options range from a single HbA1c test to comprehensive Diabetes Health panels covering up to 70 biomarkers.

Best suited for

  • Adults with risk factors for type 2 diabetes, family history, elevated weight, or a sedentary routine, who want a data-driven baseline
  • People managing diabetes or prediabetes who want to track A1c, kidney, and lipid trends between doctor visits
  • Anyone experiencing symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue who wants results to review with a physician
  • Health-conscious adults monitoring insulin sensitivity and metabolic health as part of a longevity or fitness plan

What's included

DH-3 Diabetes Health Panel (7 tests, 66 biomarkers)

DH-4 Diabetes Health Panel (8 tests, 70 biomarkers)

DH-3 Diabetes Health Plus Panel (6 tests, 34 biomarkers)

DH-4 Diabetes Health Plus Panel (9 tests, 44 biomarkers)

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test

Insulin Test (Fasting)

Glucose Test (Fasting)

Glucose Tolerance Test, 2 Specimens, 75g

Insulin Response to Glucose Test, 2 Specimens

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test

Albumin Random Urine Test with Creatinine (uACR)

Electrolyte Panel Test

Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Total Test

Deep-dive the key markers: Fasting Glucose, HbA1c, Fasting Insulin, LDL-C, HDL-C, Triglycerides, Vitamin D, eGFR, ALT

Key biomarker ranges

Commonly used adult reference ranges for markers this panel measures, labs vary, so always interpret results against your lab's stated ranges and with your doctor.

Fasting Glucose (mg/dL)

Commonly used reference ranges place fasting glucose at 70–99 mg/dL; results vary with sleep, stress, and recent illness, and labs differ slightly.

Fasting Glucose reference ranges (mg/dL)
ZoneRange
Low5070 mg/dL
Optimal70100 mg/dL
Prediabetic range100126 mg/dL
Diabetic range126160 mg/dL
Hemoglobin A1c (%)

Commonly used reference ranges place HbA1c below 5.7%; conditions affecting red blood cells can skew results, so labs and clinicians interpret in context.

Hemoglobin A1c reference ranges (%)
ZoneRange
Optimal45.7 %
Prediabetic range5.76.5 %
Diabetic range6.510 %
Fasting Insulin (µIU/mL)

Commonly used reference ranges accept up to ~25 µIU/mL, but many clinicians view single-digit fasting insulin as the more informative target; assays vary by lab.

Fasting Insulin reference ranges (µIU/mL)
ZoneRange
Low02 µIU/mL
Optimal210 µIU/mL
Above optimal1025 µIU/mL
High2530 µIU/mL

The importance of testing

Hemoglobin A1c reflects your average blood glucose over the past two to three months, while fasting glucose and insulin capture a same-day snapshot of how your body is handling sugar right now. Together, these markers show how efficiently glucose is processed and how hard your pancreas is working to keep it in range, patterns associated with prediabetes, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes that are worth tracking over time.

The bundled Diabetes Health panels (DH-3 and DH-4) widen the lens. A comprehensive metabolic panel adds kidney and liver markers such as eGFR, creatinine, and ALT; a lipid panel covers cholesterol and triglycerides; C-reactive protein tracks inflammation; and a random urine microalbumin with creatinine test flags early kidney markers. Because blood sugar, cardiovascular, and kidney health are closely linked, reviewing these numbers together gives you and your doctor a fuller metabolic picture than glucose alone.

The DH-4 versions add a two-specimen glucose tolerance test and an insulin response to glucose test, which measure how your glucose and insulin levels behave after a standardized 75-gram glucose drink. These dynamic tests can surface early shifts in insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function that a single fasting draw may miss.

The most useful approach is trend-based: establish a baseline, retest at regular intervals, and bring any flagged or changing results to your physician to discuss nutrition, activity, sleep, and medication decisions. Lab testing informs those conversations, it does not replace medical care.

Promo code

ULTA7E74

Use promo code ULTA7E74 at checkout, current promotion; confirm final pricing and discount on the partner page.

Ready to get your numbers? Order online, visit a nearby draw site, and receive private results to review with your doctor.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Diabetes Insight testing measure?

It measures the key markers of blood sugar control, hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose, and insulin, plus, in the larger Diabetes Health panels, supporting markers like kidney function (eGFR, urine microalbumin with creatinine), a full lipid panel, and C-reactive protein. Together these show how your body processes glucose, how well insulin is working, and how related organ systems are trending.

What is the difference between the DH-3 and DH-4 Diabetes Health panels?

The DH-4 panel includes everything in the DH-3 plus a two-specimen glucose tolerance test and an insulin response to glucose test. Those dynamic tests measure how your glucose and insulin behave after a 75-gram glucose drink, which can reveal early changes in insulin sensitivity that a single fasting draw may not show. The DH-3 covers CRP, CBC, CMP, HbA1c, insulin, a lipid panel, and urine microalbumin with creatinine.

Can I order these diabetes lab tests without a doctor's visit?

Yes, these panels are sold direct-to-consumer, so you can order online through the partner page and visit a local lab location without scheduling a doctor's appointment first. Results are delivered to you, and any flagged values are worth reviewing with your physician.

Is direct-to-consumer diabetes testing available in every US state?

No, direct-to-consumer lab testing is restricted or prohibited in New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, so residents of those states may be blocked at the partner's checkout. If you live elsewhere in the US, you can typically order online and test at a nearby draw location.

How often should I retest HbA1c and related markers?

HbA1c reflects roughly two to three months of average blood glucose, so retesting more often than quarterly rarely adds new information. Many people establish a baseline and retest every three to six months to watch trends; your doctor can recommend the right cadence for your situation.

Do I need to fast before these tests?

Fasting is typically required for the fasting glucose, insulin, glucose tolerance, and lipid components, usually 8 to 12 hours with water permitted. Confirm the specific preparation instructions provided by the lab when you order, since requirements vary by test.