Metabolomic Profile

Catalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.

What this laboratory test evaluates

Doctor’s Data offers the Metabolomic Profile due to increasing awareness of the need to detect Metabolic syndrome before it progresses to adult-onset diabetes and related health consequences. The profile is designed to assess the likelihood of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in at-risk patients. Metabolic syndrome may occur at all stages in life. The number of people with MetS has increased over the last two decades. It is estimated that greater than 18% of US adolescents, 30% of young – midlife adults, and 40% of senior adults (> 70 y.o.) have MetS.

The incidence of MetS is increasing at an alarming rate. Controllable epigenetic factors clearly have a causal role. Contributing factors may include obesity, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary disease, hormone imbalance or a sedentary, unhealthy (smoking, etc.) lifestyle. “Over nutrition” and poor dietary choices (highly processed, high fat, high salt, high sugar “empty-calorie” foods), combined with sedentary habits interact with our genetic programming: we store extra calories as fat. Fat cells (adipocytes) produce hormones (adipokines) that interact with the hypothalamus and or immune system and may have pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects. Altered adipokine levels have been observed in MetS. Insulin (fasting) resistance is a hallmark feature of MetS. The biomarkers that constitute the Metabolomic Profile include:Glycomark (1,5-anhydroglucitol) –indicates poor control of blood glucose spikes; specifically frequent hyperglycemic events over the past two weeks (not evident from HbA1c). Postprandial hyperglycemia is associated with Cardiovascular disease and reduction of hyperglycemic events appear to decrease macro- and microvascular complications in diabetic patients. Low 1,5-AG is also associated with renal damage.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) – estimates the average blood glucose concentration for the life of the red blood cell (120 days).
Insulin – levels of insulin elevate early in type II diabetes, and then decrease as pancreatic beta cells lose function.
Leptin – is a hormone produced by adipocytes to provide a satiety signal to the hypothalamus. Elevated circulating levels of leptin are associated with adipose tissue abundance and a leptin resistance. High levels of this adipokine have pro-inflammatory effects, and leptin accelerates arterial foam cell formation.
Adiponectin – improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates glucose uptake and hepatic fatty acid oxidation. Very low levels of this anti-inflammatory adipokine may increase the risk for CVD and some cancers.
Leptin to Adiponectin ratio- the ratio of leptin to adiponectin appears to be a sensitive indicator for a variety of adverse health conditions.
Cystatin C, Creatinine and eGFR – renal damage is a common consequence of MetS and hyperglycemia. Cystatin C is considered to be a better indicator of GFR than serum creatinine or calculated GFR (eGFR).

Patients that may especially benefit from the Metabolomic Profile include those with:• Excess abdominal adiposity or body mass index (BMI) >30
• High triglycerides or need for cholesterol medication
• Low HDL cholesterol or need for cholesterol medication
• Hypertension or need for hypertension medication
• Fasting Glucose > 100 mg/dL
• Family or personal history of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol or type II diabetes
• Personal history of chronic inflammatory disease

Except for obesity, the risk factors for MetS, and the chronic diseases that may develop from it, may present no symptoms until well advanced. The greatest window of opportunity to prevent the development of atherosclerosis, type II diabetes, renal damage or heart failure may occur during the early, symptom-free stages of MetS. Early detection and intervention through diet and lifestyle changes may prevent the development of symptoms or disease complications. The Metabolomic Profile facilitates clinicians in the early detection of Metabolic syndrome.

Additional test information

The Metabolomic Profile provides assessment of the likelihood of Metabolic syndrome in at-risk patients. The Metabolomic Profile evaluates seven biomarkers that may reflect a patient’s risk of developing Metabolic syndrome, which is identified by a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors, with insulin resistance and adiposity as its central features. Identification of individuals with metabolic syndrome is important due to its association with an increased risk of and type 2 diabetes mellitus, renal damage and coronary heart disease. Early detection of risk for Metabolic Syndrome is very important because associated symptoms may not be evident until it is well advanced.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Serum
• Fasting: Yes
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 5 to 7 days after the lab receives samples.

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.

Related Sunridge care

Learn how Sunridge approaches Complex Multi-System Illness and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.