How to Read Your Blood Work: A Lab Literacy Guide for Diabetes, PCOS & Kidney Health

Jul 18

"Everything looks fine" might not be fine.

Recently, I worked with two clients who had shocking findings on their labs: one had early signs of kidney disease that had been brewing since 2022, and the other had undiagnosed type 2 diabetes likely progressing since 2018. Neither had been flagged by their provider. Their labs were handed over with a smile and a "you're good to go." But they weren't.

This is why lab literacy matters.

What Is Medical Gaslighting? And Why It Matters for Diabetes and Kidney Health

Providers are stretched thin. In many cases, if something doesn’t scream "urgent," it doesn't get discussed. But when you live with insulin resistance, PCOS, or diabetes, "borderline" is worth talking about. Here’s what often gets overlooked:

A1c of 6.6% = diabetes (not prediabetes)
eGFR trending down or microalbumin rising = early kidney changes
Lipids creeping up = insulin resistance knocking

Are Your Labs Really “Normal”? Why Reference Ranges Can Mislead

Lab reference ranges are based on statistical averages—not on what’s optimal for preventing complications. For instance, an eGFR above 60 is considered "normal," but a drop from 95 to 65 over a year is a red flag for kidney function decline. Context and trends matter more than a single number.

What Labs Should You Ask For If You Have Diabetes, PCOS, or Insulin Resistance?

Next time you get labs done, ask for:

A full copy of your labs
Historical trends (year-over-year if possible)

And look at these markers:

A1c and fasting glucose
Creatinine, eGFR, and microalbumin
Lipid panel (especially triglycerides and HDL)
CRP or other inflammation markers if you can get them

How to Spot Patterns in Lab Results That Signal Risk

People managing diabetes, PCOS, or insulin resistance need to track different markers than the average person. A sudden jump in triglycerides, or a creeping A1c, can tell you more than a symptom might. And kidney damage? That often has no symptoms at all until it's advanced.

Why Lab Literacy Can Help You Prevent Complications

When you understand your numbers, you’re not just a passive patient, you’re an active advocate. That gives you the power to:

Start interventions earlier
Request follow-up testing
Shift diet, supplement, or lifestyle strategies with purpose

Free Lab Literacy Checklist: Know What to Ask, Track, and Watch

I've created a Lab Literacy Checklist to help you get confident with your results. If you are looking for more personalized support, complete my program application to schedule a complimentary strategy call [here]. Because knowledge isn’t just power, it’s prevention.

Lab Literacy Checklist (For Educational Purposes Only)

Ask for These Labs:

✅ A1c (Hemoglobin A1c)
✅ Fasting glucose
✅ Creatinine
✅ eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
✅ Microalbumin (urine test)
✅ Lipid Panel (Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides)
✅ hs-CRP or CRP (inflammation)

Track Trends Over Time:

Look at year-over-year changes
Watch for creeping numbers even within the “normal” range

Know These Key Numbers:

A1c: ≥6.5% = diabetes
eGFR: <90 may indicate decline; <60 is concerning
Triglycerides: <150 mg/dL is optimal
HDL: Higher is better (≥50 mg/dL for women, ≥40 mg/dL for men)

Discuss With Your Provider If You See:

Rising creatinine
Declining eGFR
A1c creeping up or ≥6.5%
Triglycerides rising above 150
HDL dropping below ideal levels

Disclaimer: This checklist is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider to interpret labs and determine next steps.

Russender Powell