The Key Biomarkers to Measure With a Blood Test | Dr. Casey Means & Dr. Andrew Huberman

Dr. Casey Means and Dr. Andrew Huberman discuss the key biomarkers to measure with a blood test.
Dr. Casey Means is a physician trained at Stanford University School of Medicine, an expert on metabolic health and the author of the book, Good Energy. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine and host of the Huberman Lab podcast.
Watch the full episode: • Transform Your Health ...
Show notes: www.hubermanla...
#HubermanLab #Health #Biomarkers
Disclaimer & Disclosures: www.hubermanla...

[@HubermanLabClips]

This clip is from the Huberman Lab episode "Dr. Casey Means: Transform Your Health by Improving Metabolism, Hormone & Blood Sugar Regulation". The full episode can be found on KZbin here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqLEc6ODbJiBic0

[@dattebenforcer]

How do you spell all those tests she mentioned?

[@520cuban]

1)Hemoglobin A1C 2)Triglycerides 3)Vitamin D 4)Homocysteine 5) TSH 6) Free T-3 7) Ferritin Outside a CBC/Differentials Comprehensive Metabolic panel The above seven markers provide a picture of Metabolic, Immune, and Inflammation

[@amya9597]

Thank you!!!!

[@elinino5275]

Inflammation marker is C-reaction protein

[@520cuban]

That's correct, however if I was only able to use 7 biomarkers, Ferritin not only predict inflammation, but also shows Iron storage in the liver which gives me a picture of Iron status.

[@sharifuzzamanshakel9530]

Thank you 🙏

[@alanasky7406]

​@@520cuban Thank you so much! 💕

[@juangiordana]

The key biomarkers to measure with a blood test are: - Fasting glucose - Fasting triglycerides - HDL cholesterol - Hemoglobin A1C - Total cholesterol - Waist circumference - Blood pressure

[@hof5943]

Can blood test show waist circumference?

[@JenNy-kf4jd]

@@hof5943no

[@phylodude]

She is a perfect teacher. I'm a trained geneticist and molecular biologist and she nails it in a way I could never explain. Bravo!

[@poolmilethirty2859]

Thank you, Dr. Means for the explanation, and Dr Huberman for having her elaborate on the biomarkers to understand them better.

[@kestertan3372]

Optimal range - 3.15 Fasting glucose - Less than 100 Triglyceride - Less than 150 HDL > 40 for men, > 50 for women Hemoglobin A1C - less than 5.7% Total cholesterol to HDL ratio - less than 3.5 - 1 Waist size ratio less than 35 Inches for women, 40 Inches for men Blood pressure less than 120/80

[@mikekarr2920]

Man it’s so hard to get my systolic blood pressure below or at 120. It’s usually 125-135.

[@jimsgardenproject3507]

@@kestertan3372 if I may, the waist size isn’t that simple. It’s a waist to height ratio that should be .5 or less. Height is the variable. Anything above .5 increases your heart disease risk the higher it goes. Note, it’s not your waist at your belt it’s at your belly button. Divide your waist in inches (at your belly button ) by your height in inches Ie 40” / 67” (a 5’7” person) =.597 so you would have a slight risk. Hope this helps.

[@johngomez7118]

The key biomarkers for metabolic health and identifying metabolic syndrome that can be procured in an annual physical: 1. Fasting glucose 2. Fasting triglycerides 3. HDL Cholesterol 4. Total Cholesterol 5. HgbA1C 6. Waist circumference 7. Blood pressure

[@kaihubbard4450]

If the following things are in these ranges, and you’re not on medication for blood sugar or blood pressure, you are considered optimally metabolically healthy. 1. Fasting glucose 50 (women) 4. Total cholesterol / HDL ratio < 3.5 / 1 5. HgbA1C < 5.7% 6. Waste circumference < 35 in (women), < 40 in (men) 7. Blood pressure < 120 / 80 Dr. Casey says these are easy to change in 1-2 months with lifestyle habits. If fasting triglycerides >150, probably b/c of excess carbohydrate intake. If fasting glucose >100, probably b/c of excess carbohydrate intake. If HgbA1C >5.7%, probably b/c of excess carbohydrate intake on average over the last 90-100 days. If blood pressure > 120 / 80, probably caused by not enough nitric oxide activity caused by insulin resistance caused by excess carbohydrate intake.

[@rollingrock4759]

@@kaihubbard4450thank you!

[@poolmilethirty2859]

Thank you so much for the summary you saved me the time of having to watch it again to write it down. I pass on all except the waist circumference. ​@@kaihubbard4450

[@D3ND3Nsound]

Hubes is so good at acknowledging the flaws of a subject it's actually inspiring

[@alexandriachristmas8322]

11 mins is WAY better than the 2.5 hour vids.

[@ZorrodeLaMancha]

Wow, you've successfully reeled me in again! It just takes a few minutes of listening to your magnetic, mesmerizing, stimulating show & I am hooked, even when I don't expect to be. Your show rocks, Dr. Huberman! Thanks for feeding my curiosity with health!!!

[@rayharrison6234]

One I always ask for is C-Reactive Protein (CRP) to measure for inflammation

[@Me-lj1rk]

Brilliant...just need to listen over and over...She got on track around 8 minutes...good stuff

[@TheTale28]

I think so too , sounds clearer from 8 min

[@him-hk7ii]

She is a role model to future doctors

[@eliang87]

If you read her book. She list different ranges in her book. What she actually believes is optimal to axe metabolic dysfunction

[@AquarianMan]

key biomarkers to measure with a blood test are: for metabolic syndrome : - Fasting glucose - Fasting triglycerides - HDL cholesterol - Hemoglobin A1C - Total cholesterol - Waist circumference - Blood pressure

[@jimsgardenproject3507]

If everyone knew this information the medical system would go broke. So when you really think about it we’re kept in the dark about health as with a lot of other things in life. Notice how defensive people get when you educate yourself and start conversations that push back? Could be health, politics, work methods you name it. How often am I told “well, you’re not a doctor”. I love it. It’s actually a person telling me I wasn’t supposed to learn this stuff. It’s only for doctors to know. I guess im not allowed to get smart? Well tough. They don’t own the market on learning about health. Actually the more I know about health, the easier it is for my doctor to help me when I have a real problem. When I visit my doctor now he simple asks what labs I’d like done for this visit. He may ask why I want something done or suggest it’s not really necessary but I generally get the labs done that I’d like to review for myself. Doesn’t mean I won’t get a message like “you should be on a statin”. That’s his job to suggest that info. It’s my decision whether or not to go with it. How do I know this. Education!

[@dennispo4998]

Kinda disagree with using waist circumference! Two men (one is 6'3", the other is 5'6") both having 38" waistlines propels you to a whole different universe! Might be better to use a height to waist ratio?

[@bradtozier6776]

Yes. Much better.

[@user-kh8bp6ue8y]

I know right?! I keep saying this!

[@rossb4802]

The best marker is to use a waist to hip ratio. Far more reliable than others.

[@davidflorez1196]

I agree the formula should be adjusted to height

[@shinnpt]

@@rossb4802correct

[@mcgdoc9546]

The Fasting Insulin levels are critical information. I am surprised that she missed it!

[@bradtozier6776]

Ditto. And an hs-CRP.

[@tigerrx7]

Not just the level. We need to start taking our own insulin levels throughout the day to get a better reading on how the body reacts to food intake. Meaning: 1. Fasting insulin level 2. Eat breakfast/lunch 3. Take insulin level 4. Take insulin level again after 2-3 hours. This shows how well your body manages the glucose intake

[@rsmith5447]

​@@tigerrx7how do you test your own insulin level? I'm a type 1 diabetic so test my blood sugar constantly but wasn't aware you could test insulin without being in a lab 🤔

[@TheRealSamuiWebcam]

I test these every 3 months. Fasting Glucose Fasting Insulin Lipid Profile Thyroid Panel CBC Kidney Function Liver Function PSA Hemoglobin A1C Ferritin Uric Acid Homocysteine Electrolyte Panel Testosterone/E2

[@ethannaka1822]

How do you get these done every 3 months?? Do you buy your own tests?

[@TheRealSamuiWebcam]

@@ethannaka1822 Yes, I do here in Thailand.

[@mark-c802]

my favorite tests include oxidized ldl, adv lipid panel w/apo b, iron panel w/transferrin, rbc mineral panel or at least rbc magnesium, fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin, beta amyloid 42/40 ration, active 1,25 vit d, insulin, copper, cbc, erythropoietin, omega index, il 6...🌀

[@drsvs]

She left out fasting insulin, the first marker to go up in insulin resistance. Total cholesterol is meaningless. Think about it: TC goes up as HDL goes up.

[@zenrand688]

Right - fasting glucose is not all that helpful - insulin is much better.

[@arielphillips8484]

She didn’t say total cholesterol. She said the ratio of total over HDL

[@dirtyharry2534]

Although, the triglyceride:HDL ratio is a good proxy for insulin resistance.

[@zenrand688]

@@dirtyharry2534 Interesting - I hadn’t heard of that. Where can I find out more about that? thx

[@dirtyharry2534]

​@@zenrand688 Dr. Paul Mason is one that covers this subject well. Try his presentation, "Blood tests on a ketogenic diet" (Low Carb Down Under channel). Dr. Ford Brewer discusses this ratio. Dr. Ekberg has a couple of good videos where he analyzes a patient's cholesterol results in detail. I've encountered others, but these ought to be a decent start.

[@weston.weston]

Excellent clip, Andrew, excellent!

[@dandrada1]

At 1:30, huberman admits his audience wants a little more time for explanation and not just a list of biomarkers. Early on, he gave you a heads up that this clip would not just be a list.

[@2023Red]

Yes. Getting the labs is needed. And, it is essential the patient digest the information.

[@atholseptember8937]

Pun intended?

[@bobmesserschmidt2078]

it's worth pointing out that HbA1c - glycated (aka glycosylated) hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is _inside_ the red blood cells and has nothing to do with slipperiness of the red blood cells.

[@prassrid]

Fasting Insulin is THE most important and key blood marker which provides a clear picture of metabolic Health. Why did they miss this?! at 1:40 , she mentions the reason is choosing these because vast majority of metabolically unhealthy people use these parameters based on some studies over past 5 years. To me, it does not make sense to use parameters , just because most of unhealthy Americans have used them. Meh! Lousy method! Of course, these parameters also are good to know about health, but, 'Fasting Insulin' levels indicates ones health level more incisively; also, one should be aware of 'correct range' within which it (Fasting Insulin) must be ( not the medical industry touted vast ranges)

[@davidflorez1196]

What's the difference between tryglicerides/HDL ratio or just tryglicerides and fasting insulin?, can someone with low tryglicerides '50' be insulin resistant?

[@Dr_Boult]

Cannot belive they did not include fasting insulin. Why try to guess if IR is an issue from the rmarkes -- measure it. I pay < $20 for that test and I wish I had know about it years ago before my FG and TG started to creep up.

[@gayeroyal8870]

True. I'm hoping that she covered it in the full episode. I think that the ones she covered in this "clip" were the ones that the docs wouldn't complain about ordering. They usually balk at running a fasting insulin test. To me it is SO important to know and can tell you SO much.

[@KimSchwan]

what is fasting insulin? Are you referring to fasting glucose?

[@Dr_Boult]

@@KimSchwan Insulin is the primary hormone that impacts how your body process glucose and fat -- high insulin = store glucose as fat. Low insulin = can use fat for energy. When you get blood work, you can get insulin tested. Its very quickly impacted by any consumption of food (and maybe even zero-calorie sweet drinks) so it should always be tested fasted (except for the Kraft test which like GTT uses a specific glucose load and then measure the decay). Homa-IR is a measure that uses the value of insulting and glucose to estimate insulin resistance. Fasting Insulin starts to rise years, maybe decades before fasting glucose. Insulin is the control, so if your body can eventually produce enough insulin, it will drive down glucose by morning. Ideally, it should do that in < 90min. but it can take hours if the body becomes insulin resistant. Getting it tested early can help you better manage metabolic health.

[@monstermix7134]

Thank you for asking that question I just seen my doctor for blood work she said everything is looking great and for me to keep up the good work in the gym eating healthy foods and snacks I wanna know the answer to those blood questions thanks bud !!! For asking her for those answers thank you

[@LHMH148]

I listen to more of your videos now that’s they’re not over 40 Mins!

[@jeagr209]

You interrupted her and she never got to the other tests.

[@jayachandranthampi4807]

Interesting that we know ourselves from "Response / Reaction", like what's being circulated within. Ofcourse, it's the best available now, especially the fasting numbers. However, like the Schrodinger cat, the measurement could influence - means, we are measuring only what we want to know & not necessarily the full picture within. Ie, if I am paying my loan instalments properly, then I am good (I might be stealing or looting to pay). It need not tell me my capacity to face a challenge. Example: how good am I in actual "combat / stress / challenge". Like a Treadmill test, the numbers must show me my capability in combat, than when I am rested. That's a better indicator of "Health", especially "Active health". Current numbers are "Disease" finding than an actual Health statement. It's like seeing a picture of river, where as it's dynamic in reality. Health & numbers must thus be linked to other factors (futuristic) like social (mental) expression, familial conditions etc etc. An individual is actually a Group, networked reality. We need to account for the "Randomness". History based is seldom the future. We need to know Destiny than Fate, while dealing with Health & recommendation must be futuristic than history solving. Probabilities based of multiple factors are to be included as part of score & assessment. Example: ability to balance, ability to get up without support, from a floor sitting posture, HRV scores, etc etc. AI used measures are future than these crude numbers, as far as Health is concerned (not Disease). It's like "Credit score". Even things like O2 saturation at work, lung function numbers etc shows how we are at work (challenge) than at rest.

[@smitasathe3561]

I have mild hypertension and am on medication. I am vegetarian, very particular about diet and exercise at least 4-5 times a week. All my other numbers are in range. It is just bp and i am unable to bring it down without mefication.

[@YTSparty]

What about Fasting Insulin? Paul Saladino MD suggest we get a fasting insuling blood test.

[@ankitg6454]

Paul Saladin the original charlatan

[@mkmccoy6929]

T3 , t4 , iron, hemoglobin , vitamin D , B vitamins ... And testosterone .. would be where I'd start .... Your hormones control everything ..

[@janoscsato2124]

numerical value numbers without dimensions are not good at all ! e.g. tryglicerids are for me shown in mmol/liter, and the limit number mentioned 150 must be rather in milligrams per deciliter

[@ialogixcorporation6316]

My triglycerides were 666 insulin 220. Doctor said I’m in great health. Intervention only at tg 1000. Developed pancreatitis

[@peterfialka5315]

I understand it’s a short version of a longer conversation but we got sidetracked by triglycerides and fasting glucose for the eternity. While no time was used to clear up the ApoB nor LDL

[@suryaraj7645]

Hi, what happens to the sugars, carbs, /triglycerides when you take statins ? How exactly do statins reduce cholesterol values even when you consume carbs /sugar? 🤨

[@abhi123nav1]

Can somebody write the biomarkers in the comments and their optimal levels?

[@WeighedWilson]

Yes *you* can

[@andrewrivera4029]

Go 0 carb, exercise, get outside in the sun and lower stress through sleep then you don’t have to worry about the tests.

[@EdwardsNH]

@@andrewrivera4029 Please don't go zero carb. Personal trainer/dietician/nurse. Processed carbs, sure. If you can, that's wonderful. But don't eliminate fruits and vegetables Plus, you can do everything perfectly, and still have issues. This is a very ignorant comment

[@THERESAPreston-tc7nw]

Wow your right all these things tell slot about your health and I wo der hiw many Dr s are missing the important ones?

[@nohasamir3134]

What if I'm prediabetic and have low triglycerides? What does it mean?

[@sobatjalanseru]

@nohasamir3134, maybe because too much fructose in your body, you may listen to dr Robert Lustig interview with dr dom d’agostino, the title how to avoid insulin resistance and why its important, they discuss about a guy name sami inkinen who is thriatlon athlete and work out 5 hours a day but got pre diabetes because of fructose

[@StarvingMyselfToLIFE]

Does gluconeogenesis and depletion of glycogen stores increase/spike blood sugar?

[@Kartikkashyap8796]

He : Why do you talk like that She : it's my voice He : No it's not, it's a affectation😂😂

[@Steve-nb9kg]

Yeah this is complex all of my markers are well within range but my CAC score is 3000! Trying to figure this out.

[@andrewrivera4029]

Go 0 carb immediately.

[@bradtozier6776]

Yes. What Andrew said. Also, you won't get a full picture unless you know what you're Fasting Insulin is. Even then, a couple of others could be helpful to know. But yeah, carnivore for sure.

[@northcotemallory9968]

He asks for a reminder of what HbA1C is at 4:24. The answer is at 9:05. WAY, WAY too much talking.

[@SSquared60]

She says these tests are very inexpensive if run outside the doctors office. And where might that be. If I look at questions or Labcorp it’s very expensive.

[@LHMH148]

Expensive compared to what ???

[@SSquared60]

@LHMH148 not sure what your point is in this strange question.

[@twillafaye515]

Not for illegal immigrants

[@quisge]

Did she just hint at the Randle Cycle without calling it out by name? Why I think she did!

[@deborahcollins6983]

I can’t believe you didn’t mention fasting insulin! Wow! Hyperinsulinemia is the driver of all metabolic diseases!

[@shawnmcgrath3226]

Nobody is getting there triglycerides in the 50s. Maybe a tiny , tiny percentage. 60-70 in my opinion is optimal ..

[@jpilrose]

lol, mine 43

[@Ul-zs3vp]

Mine is 40.

[@annap8328]

Mine is 41

[@cmyoutuber1289]

How does one raise HDL to optimal levels within 1-2 months 😅

[@alexi2460]

Good to send out to friends and family

[@sialee5926]

HDL is it 50 for women, or above 50?

[@naudio1]

Above

[@ReeInvesting]

love it all!

[@scottj719]

8:12 amd they will say, lets check you back here in a year

[@dennispo4998]

Casey's awesome!!!

[@stuartmalin661]

I so disagree with her about fasting glucose. I am Carnivore, and my *highest* glucose measure of a day can be my morning fasting, because that is after my liver produces glucose in order for me to start my day. I'd say that: (1) highest glucose of the day is more important - which for me can be 120, and (2) focus on insulin levels, not glucose.

[@LHMH148]

Yes she talks about that too and in her book

[@bonniespeck]

Interesting. I did a 30 days medically supervised water only fast. My blood sugar never fell below 98. But all the other tests she mentioned are right in the middle with A1C at 5.0. For me personally, a fasting blood sugar is 105 is my norm. For years it stressed me out. The other side is my blood sugar eating anything has never risen about 142. I so wish they’d make continuous blood sugar monitors available over the counter.

[@prosperiawellbeing]

They do. Lookup Stelo or Lingo

[@stefanocasali9739]

Ok, thanks. But still, at this point I believe that the community needs a more nuanced, mechanistically clear framework for understanding this kind of topics. I don’t want to sound tedious or anything, but: it’s boringly obvious that having fasting glucose AND fasting triglycerides in the “high normal” range is not good. Let’s try to address different scenarios; for example, what about slightly elevated fasting glucose AND normal / low triglycerides? How to interpret this type of situation? This is just an example, of course. We need tools and ultimately a framework for understanding THIS type of scenarios.

[@Joseph1NJ]

I don't see why HDL is relevant. We know low HDL is NOT harmful. We also know high HDL is NOT protective.

[@SachinPatelDC]

High HDL can indicate autoimmunity.

[@slofty]

@@SachinPatelDC Through what means?

[@jamesgordon8867]

Want lower A1C? Photobiomodulation

[@sebastianbujor4344]

Total Cholesterol should be treated obsolete. Period!

[@Aviation_Professional]

STAY AWAY from Doctors folks. Work hard at you're lifestyle and diet. Buy your tests online cheaply. I run her labs for about $75

[@1treyton1]

Telling people to stay away from doctors and you used the wrong "your." That's not very credible.

[@VicDamoneJr82]

i heard if you have a high LDL its actually healthy since its transporting more fats

[@JakeRichardsong]

Source?

[@dirtyharry2534]

It’s only healthy if you also have a low triglyceride:HDL ratio. If not, the LDL is dysfunctional and also getting stuck in blood vessels.

[@wSpaceArt]

Myleoperoxidase, MPO

[@AryAshish]

First they keep decreasing the top range of everything to sell more medicines over the years & now even within the range is an issue if near the top..fear sells fosho !! 😅

[@angelbianchi4786]

All military service people, police, firefighters, and the alike should HAVE TO BE optimally metabolically healthy before they can join...

[@Ematuresco]

She talks with vocal fry. Room for creeEEAaam ? :D

[@Periwinkleblue.]

Love her. But the fry grates my soul....

[@camilledefreitas6818]

We never heard what the rest of the blood test she would recommend…..

[@maryvicente3692]

You can order Nutrition Genome yourself, don’t need a doctor. $359

[@tomharvey5466]

Fasting insulin

[@UmeshMahalingaiah]

Ok

[@Ul-zs3vp]

My triglycerides are at 40. Not being sarcastic at all, but is that too low?

[@jackiechoate6163]

No

[@acoco251]

What is your diet like?

[@stoenchu122]

Fasting Insulin

[@iorch82]

She missed uric acid.

[@lorrainefiguereo6354]

Dr. Casey Means needs to work on better explaining in simpler way the specific blood test we have to request. I think that this guest was not informative at all. I usually enjoy your video but not this one. Sorry.

[@akahodgins]

❤❤❤

[@ipgvids]

When you said that your audience hates this, you were not kidding. You literally turned what should have been a ninety second video into eleven minutes and twenty nine seconds. Why do you keep doing this?!?!?!?! It's reached the point where I rarely watch your videos to the end.

[@Leonardokite]

Make your own videos.... maybe you can be a star.

[@eamonnw]

a health video that actually wants to steal 10 minutes of your life to get some $$

[@standUpForTurtles]

Maybe the best answer for you is to not even start watching them

[@hfislwpa]

@@eamonnwits a 3 hour podcast filled with amazing knowledge FOR FREE. Some of us love the depth. Not everything needs to be a tik tok video

[@ignaspan]

How are you going to explain these biomarkers in 90 seconds? I don’t want a list of biomarkers, I want to know what they mean. Also, I would like to see an even longer video with scientific analysis to make sure it’s not just an “opinion”. A mere list of biomarkers doesn’t give any confidence to apply this information in my life.

[@soheilaabyane6453]

I am sorry she is so inaccurate. The first question to b e asked is " How old is the patient?"

[@sparky2390]

I hate Andrew Huberman

[@jorgeferreiro9783]

Some errors in what she said. Per UNC study of Araujo et al the optimal waist size in men was less than 40 inches not less than 35 inches as she said.

[@Bombyton]

relisten to it. That's what she said, less than 35 for women and less than 40 for men

[@ελευθερία-ε2ο]

She did say 40, pay attention