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How to Interpret Your Results
Getting your blood work back is step one. Knowing what to do with it requires understanding the difference between reference ranges and optimal ranges.
The Reference Range Fallacy
Standard lab reference ranges are typically derived from the middle 95% of the population tested at that lab. As the general population becomes increasingly sick and metabolically broken, "normal" reference ranges widen to accommodate pathology.
| Marker | "Normal" Lab Range | Optimal Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting Insulin | < 24.9 µIU/mL | < 5.0 µIU/mL |
| ApoB | < 130 mg/dL | < 60 mg/dL |
| ALT (Liver) | < 44 U/L | < 25 U/L |
Common Mistakes
- Treating the Number, Not the System: Biomarkers are interconnected. High ApoB is infinitely more dangerous if accompanied by high hs-CRP and high Insulin. Context matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My doctor says I'm fine. What do I do?
A: "Fine" means you don't require an acute medical intervention today. Advocate for optimal longevity targets and consider concierge or functional medicine practitioners for optimization.