Blood tests for monitoring improving health
Discussion
About to hit 45 and going to ramp up the diet/fitness which is already fairly good but not as strict as I’d like.
Anyone done the home boood tests (where They send you a test kit and you then go to a clinician and have them draw the blood)
Was thinking it Would be an interesting snap shot that allows for improvement monitoring???
Or waste of money? Spend it on avocados?
Anyone done the home boood tests (where They send you a test kit and you then go to a clinician and have them draw the blood)
Was thinking it Would be an interesting snap shot that allows for improvement monitoring???
Or waste of money? Spend it on avocados?
Go for medichecks they have a great interface which means you can track markers over time.
In my opinion once you hit the middle age mark these kits are a great tool and enable you to take ownership and responsibility for your own health.
Its actually a surprisingly good motivational tool as well and tend to keep you on the straight and narrow with regards training and diet.
In my opinion once you hit the middle age mark these kits are a great tool and enable you to take ownership and responsibility for your own health.
Its actually a surprisingly good motivational tool as well and tend to keep you on the straight and narrow with regards training and diet.
Have some ultracyclist acquaintances that use https://www.forthedge.co.uk and are all very impressed
If I could turn back the clock ten years I’d be looking to know my fasting insulin concentration and inflammation markers such as as C-reactive protein. One or both could have given me a decade head-start on diabetes.
So in principle, without knowing much about this particular testing mechanism, I personally wouldn’t say it’s a bad idea
(Incidentally i very much doubt you’ll get a GP to order a fasting insulin test)
So in principle, without knowing much about this particular testing mechanism, I personally wouldn’t say it’s a bad idea
(Incidentally i very much doubt you’ll get a GP to order a fasting insulin test)
The problem with a1c or fasting glucose is that by then it’s too late. Raised insulin concentrations are a far better marker that will highlight any metabolic imbalance several years before it manifests in excess blood glucose. But I’ve left my conspiracy theory hat upstairs so I won’t go into the possible reasons why this test might not be available on the NHS 
Also, considering I know that you’re a low-carber, if you don’t have any issues in that regard already, then it’s reasonable to say that you probably never will
ETA: also as a low carber it’s likely that your pattern-B LDL is very low. You’ll be in a low risk group for “bad” LDL and as already said, most definitely blood glucose. In fact you’ll also be low risk for inflammation markers. I’d go so far as to say you’d be wasting your money on this unless you suspect a pre-existing condition
Also, considering I know that you’re a low-carber, if you don’t have any issues in that regard already, then it’s reasonable to say that you probably never will
ETA: also as a low carber it’s likely that your pattern-B LDL is very low. You’ll be in a low risk group for “bad” LDL and as already said, most definitely blood glucose. In fact you’ll also be low risk for inflammation markers. I’d go so far as to say you’d be wasting your money on this unless you suspect a pre-existing condition
Edited by Kenny Powers on Friday 9th November 07:13
jackh707 said:
Don’t waste your money, if you have specific health concerns speak to your GP.
Blood tests in isolation are next to useless.
They should be used to help provide an answer to a question that is being asked.
To answer in turn.Blood tests in isolation are next to useless.
They should be used to help provide an answer to a question that is being asked.
GP? good grief have you ever spoken to one? they wouldn't know what half the things are. Also, the medichecks tests come with a report from a doctor advising of any potential issues. Alternatively, do your own research, you don't need to be an expert on tyre technology to know there is something wrong if the pressure is low and the tread is below limits.
They are not in isolation - you do it on a regular basis of your choice.
If you wait until you are showing overt symptoms then it could well be too late surely - best to nip issues in the bud.
Agree. I get an annual blood test through my GP and whilst all I get from GP is 'everything is in range', it's useful to know what the actual values are as some of mine are borderline above/below where they should be.
Personally, as a drinker, I like to know what my liver function is up to so a blood test is ideal for that as often you'll have no symptoms of a dodgy liver until it's too late. So I've heard.
Personally, as a drinker, I like to know what my liver function is up to so a blood test is ideal for that as often you'll have no symptoms of a dodgy liver until it's too late. So I've heard.
Tiggsy said:
C0ffin D0dger said:
As someone who hates needles, and ended up in A&E last time I had blood taken (long story), this seems like the worst idea ever 
Ha! I enjoy it. Find it fascinating to watch. Last time I had it done I videod it on my phone to scare my kids with after .xx99xx said:
Agree. I get an annual blood test through my GP and whilst all I get from GP is 'everything is in range', it's useful to know what the actual values are as some of mine are borderline above/below where they should be.
.
Agree with this view..
For some years now I've had annual tests and reviews after an episode where I was quite ill and off work for 6 months and part time on light duties for another 6 due to an issue where they never discovered the cause.
The format used to be go in have a blood test, then go back a couple of weeks later for all the other stuff, no, weight etc and a discussion of the actual numbers.
For a few years now it's changed, you go in, they do the range of tests and then tell you to clear off and if there's anything wrong let you know. If you ask for the numbers get told to ring up, but in practice what you get is done receptionist saying "they've not written anything" and refusing to give numbers. It is, frankly, piss poor.
Should one complain or offer anything other than gushing praise and thankful grovelling for them actually doing something the reaction is never great. They just don't recognise that some patients like a better discussion.
Yet we see these surgeries that go to great lengths on the fly on the wall programmes.
gooner1 said:
Tiggsy said:
C0ffin D0dger said:
As someone who hates needles, and ended up in A&E last time I had blood taken (long story), this seems like the worst idea ever
Ha! I enjoy it. Find it fascinating to watch. Last time I had it done I videod it on my phone to scare my kids with after .I can't watch the needle going in (or out!) and unfortunately I have plenty of opportunities to get used to as I need to be stabbed for an infusion every 2 weeks. Plus an arm full of blood tests twice a year. BTW - still not used to it after 4 years!
BUT: on topic: what got me to the point of that treatment was getting tests done for something 'odd' - so even if you don't opt for pre-emptive 'MOT' testing, worth considering something as a health check if something is 'odd' or as the years pass - the blood tests for A did flag for further investigation I might also have other issues B and/or C......
272BHP said:
To answer in turn.
GP? good grief have you ever spoken to one? they wouldn't know what half the things are. Also, the medichecks tests come with a report from a doctor advising of any potential issues. Alternatively, do your own research, you don't need to be an expert on tyre technology to know there is something wrong if the pressure is low and the tread is below limits.
They are not in isolation - you do it on a regular basis of your choice.
If you wait until you are showing overt symptoms then it could well be too late surely - best to nip issues in the bud.
Fair points, but comparing population specific reference ranges, specificity/sensitivity, etc. of certain blood tests to changing tyres is perhaps a bit of an understatement.GP? good grief have you ever spoken to one? they wouldn't know what half the things are. Also, the medichecks tests come with a report from a doctor advising of any potential issues. Alternatively, do your own research, you don't need to be an expert on tyre technology to know there is something wrong if the pressure is low and the tread is below limits.
They are not in isolation - you do it on a regular basis of your choice.
If you wait until you are showing overt symptoms then it could well be too late surely - best to nip issues in the bud.
Either way, you are likely to find something abnormal if you do enough tests...
FiF said:
xx99xx said:
Agree. I get an annual blood test through my GP and whilst all I get from GP is 'everything is in range', it's useful to know what the actual values are as some of mine are borderline above/below where they should be.
.
Agree with this view..
For some years now I've had annual tests and reviews after an episode where I was quite ill and off work for 6 months and part time on light duties for another 6 due to an issue where they never discovered the cause.
The format used to be go in have a blood test, then go back a couple of weeks later for all the other stuff, no, weight etc and a discussion of the actual numbers.
For a few years now it's changed, you go in, they do the range of tests and then tell you to clear off and if there's anything wrong let you know. If you ask for the numbers get told to ring up, but in practice what you get is done receptionist saying "they've not written anything" and refusing to give numbers. It is, frankly, piss poor.
Should one complain or offer anything other than gushing praise and thankful grovelling for them actually doing something the reaction is never great. They just don't recognise that some patients like a better discussion.
Yet we see these surgeries that go to great lengths on the fly on the wall programmes.
Online stuff like this should be the way forward for all GP's
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