Why This Lab Is Important
+
Blood sugar regulation plays a major role in energy levels, body weight, cardiovascular health and long-term disease risk. When blood sugar and insulin are not well controlled, metabolic issues can develop over time—contributing to inflammation, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver and other chronic conditions. The Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel evaluates three core markers—fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HA1C—to provide a clear picture of how the body is managing blood sugar both short- and long-term.*
Dr. Passero uses this panel to identify early metabolic dysfunction, particularly insulin resistance, a common driver of chronic disease that’s often overlooked. Many individuals with insulin resistance have normal glucose levels early on, making insulin and HA1C critical for uncovering problems that more basic screening can miss. Together, these markers provide insight into how effectively the body is responding to insulin and regulating blood sugar.*
By measuring both fasting glucose and fasting insulin, this panel also allows for the calculation of HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), a widely used method for assessing insulin resistance. This calculation helps detect early changes in how the body responds to insulin—often identifying issues years before blood sugar levels become elevated.*
Dr. Passero recommends the Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel for anyone seeking to:*
What’s Included in the Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL Panel
This panel tests for the following key markers that influence metabolic and blood sugar health:*
What to Expect After Ordering Your Lab Test
After purchasing a lab test from Durable, you’ll receive an order confirmation right away. Your lab order will be emailed separately within two business days. All lab-related communications—including your lab order, instructions and results notifications—are sent via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant email from labs@livedurable.com. To ensure timely delivery, we recommend adding this address to your contacts and checking your spam or promotions folder.
Lab Locations
We've partnered with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics for convenient blood draw locations nationwide. Once your lab order is emailed to you, it will designate the most convenient location based on your address. You should contact the lab directly to schedule an appointment, and we recommend having your blood draw performed within 2-4 weeks. If you have any concerns about the selected location, please email labs@livedurable.com to explore alternative options.
Timing of Results
Once your blood draw is complete, most results are available within one week. You’ll receive an email notification from labs@livedurable.com when your results are ready to review.
How to Interpret Results
All test results include a lab-generated reference range reflecting values commonly seen in a healthy population. Results are flagged only when they fall outside this range as high or low. While these reference ranges provide helpful context, results are best interpreted alongside your health history, symptoms and trends over time and should be reviewed with your healthcare practitioner.
If you are interested in a virtual lab review with Dr. Passero, you may email his office at GetHealthy@DrKevinPassero.com to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Passero uses this panel to identify early metabolic dysfunction, particularly insulin resistance, a common driver of chronic disease that’s often overlooked. Many individuals with insulin resistance have normal glucose levels early on, making insulin and HA1C critical for uncovering problems that more basic screening can miss. Together, these markers provide insight into how effectively the body is responding to insulin and regulating blood sugar.*
By measuring both fasting glucose and fasting insulin, this panel also allows for the calculation of HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), a widely used method for assessing insulin resistance. This calculation helps detect early changes in how the body responds to insulin—often identifying issues years before blood sugar levels become elevated.*
Dr. Passero recommends the Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel for anyone seeking to:*
- Identify early signs of insulin resistance or blood sugar dysregulation
- Better understand metabolic risk factors that may contribute to weight gain, fatigue or cardiovascular disease
- Monitor how diet, exercise or lifestyle changes are affecting blood sugar control
What’s Included in the Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL Panel
This panel tests for the following key markers that influence metabolic and blood sugar health:*
- Fasting Glucose—Fasting glucose measures the amount of sugar in the blood after an overnight fast. Because eating can temporarily raise glucose levels, testing in a fasted state helps ensure the result reflects baseline blood sugar control. When interpreted alongside insulin and HA1C, it provides important context for overall blood sugar regulation.
- Fasting Insulin—Insulin is the hormone responsible for moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. Elevated insulin levels often indicate insulin resistance, meaning the body must produce more insulin to maintain blood sugar in a healthy range—an early and common sign of metabolic dysfunction. Measuring insulin in a fasted state is critical, as eating can temporarily raise insulin levels and obscure early signs of insulin resistance.
- HA1C (Hemoglobin A1C)—HA1C reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 12 weeks, offering a longer-term view of blood sugar regulation. Unlike fasting glucose or insulin, HA1C is not affected by short-term changes and helps identify sustained patterns of blood sugar elevations that may signal ongoing metabolic strain or increased diabetes risk.
What to Expect After Ordering Your Lab Test
After purchasing a lab test from Durable, you’ll receive an order confirmation right away. Your lab order will be emailed separately within two business days. All lab-related communications—including your lab order, instructions and results notifications—are sent via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant email from labs@livedurable.com. To ensure timely delivery, we recommend adding this address to your contacts and checking your spam or promotions folder.
Lab Locations
We've partnered with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics for convenient blood draw locations nationwide. Once your lab order is emailed to you, it will designate the most convenient location based on your address. You should contact the lab directly to schedule an appointment, and we recommend having your blood draw performed within 2-4 weeks. If you have any concerns about the selected location, please email labs@livedurable.com to explore alternative options.
Timing of Results
Once your blood draw is complete, most results are available within one week. You’ll receive an email notification from labs@livedurable.com when your results are ready to review.
How to Interpret Results
All test results include a lab-generated reference range reflecting values commonly seen in a healthy population. Results are flagged only when they fall outside this range as high or low. While these reference ranges provide helpful context, results are best interpreted alongside your health history, symptoms and trends over time and should be reviewed with your healthcare practitioner.
If you are interested in a virtual lab review with Dr. Passero, you may email his office at GetHealthy@DrKevinPassero.com to schedule an appointment.
Lab-Specific FAQs
+
What does the Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel test for?
Fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HA1C.*
Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
Yes. The Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel requires 10-12 hours of fasting prior to testing. Water is allowed during the fasting period, but other beverages should be avoided for the most accurate results.*
Can I take medications beforehand?
Yes. Most medications do not interfere with the tests in this panel. Do not stop medications unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.*
Will recent diet or alcohol intake affect my results?
Yes. Recent dietary choices and alcohol intake can temporarily influence glucose and insulin levels. Eating late, consuming high-carbohydrate or high-sugar meals, or drinking alcohol the evening before testing may cause results to appear higher than your usual baseline. Following fasting instructions and testing under typical conditions helps ensure more accurate results.*
How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends routine monitoring of these markers, with testing every 3-6 months for most adults. Re-testing at the recommended interval allows you and your healthcare practitioner to monitor trends over time, assess how your body is responding to lifestyle or nutritional changes and make informed adjustments. Testing frequency should be individualized based on risk factors, clinical context and your doctor’s recommendations.*
Does insurance cover the cost of my tests?
Lab tests must be paid for in full at checkout using a credit card, a supported payment platform (such as Shop Pay, PayPal, Google Pay or Venmo), or an eligible FSA/HSA debit card. In some cases, health insurance providers may reimburse individuals for lab testing. You can contact your insurance provider directly to determine whether reimbursement is available. Please note that Durable is unable to provide insurance paperwork or assist with claim submission.
Can I get a refund if I choose not to get my lab work?
Yes. You may request a refund within 365 days of purchase, as long as you have not visited the lab and had your blood drawn.
Can I use a coupon when purchasing my lab test?
At this time, promotions and coupons cannot be applied to lab testing. Lab pricing reflects the cost of clinical testing and processing, and discounts are not available for these services. However, you can redeem Durable REWARDS points at checkout, and when you purchase a lab order, you’ll earn additional points.
Is this blood test for adults only?
Durable lab testing is intended for adults 18 years and older. Testing for individuals under 18 is only recommended when directed by a qualified healthcare provider.*
Fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HA1C.*
Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
Yes. The Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel requires 10-12 hours of fasting prior to testing. Water is allowed during the fasting period, but other beverages should be avoided for the most accurate results.*
Can I take medications beforehand?
Yes. Most medications do not interfere with the tests in this panel. Do not stop medications unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.*
Will recent diet or alcohol intake affect my results?
Yes. Recent dietary choices and alcohol intake can temporarily influence glucose and insulin levels. Eating late, consuming high-carbohydrate or high-sugar meals, or drinking alcohol the evening before testing may cause results to appear higher than your usual baseline. Following fasting instructions and testing under typical conditions helps ensure more accurate results.*
How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends routine monitoring of these markers, with testing every 3-6 months for most adults. Re-testing at the recommended interval allows you and your healthcare practitioner to monitor trends over time, assess how your body is responding to lifestyle or nutritional changes and make informed adjustments. Testing frequency should be individualized based on risk factors, clinical context and your doctor’s recommendations.*
Does insurance cover the cost of my tests?
Lab tests must be paid for in full at checkout using a credit card, a supported payment platform (such as Shop Pay, PayPal, Google Pay or Venmo), or an eligible FSA/HSA debit card. In some cases, health insurance providers may reimburse individuals for lab testing. You can contact your insurance provider directly to determine whether reimbursement is available. Please note that Durable is unable to provide insurance paperwork or assist with claim submission.
Can I get a refund if I choose not to get my lab work?
Yes. You may request a refund within 365 days of purchase, as long as you have not visited the lab and had your blood drawn.
Can I use a coupon when purchasing my lab test?
At this time, promotions and coupons cannot be applied to lab testing. Lab pricing reflects the cost of clinical testing and processing, and discounts are not available for these services. However, you can redeem Durable REWARDS points at checkout, and when you purchase a lab order, you’ll earn additional points.
Is this blood test for adults only?
Durable lab testing is intended for adults 18 years and older. Testing for individuals under 18 is only recommended when directed by a qualified healthcare provider.*
Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL Panel®
Dr. Passero recommends this panel to assess fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HA1C—key markers that reflect blood sugar regulation and help identify insulin resistance, blood sugar problems and early metabolic changes linked to type 2 diabetes.*
Suggested Frequency: Every 3-6 Months
Couldn't load pickup availability
Why This Lab Is Important
+
Blood sugar regulation plays a major role in energy levels, body weight, cardiovascular health and long-term disease risk. When blood sugar and insulin are not well controlled, metabolic issues can develop over time—contributing to inflammation, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver and other chronic conditions. The Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel evaluates three core markers—fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HA1C—to provide a clear picture of how the body is managing blood sugar both short- and long-term.*
Dr. Passero uses this panel to identify early metabolic dysfunction, particularly insulin resistance, a common driver of chronic disease that’s often overlooked. Many individuals with insulin resistance have normal glucose levels early on, making insulin and HA1C critical for uncovering problems that more basic screening can miss. Together, these markers provide insight into how effectively the body is responding to insulin and regulating blood sugar.*
By measuring both fasting glucose and fasting insulin, this panel also allows for the calculation of HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), a widely used method for assessing insulin resistance. This calculation helps detect early changes in how the body responds to insulin—often identifying issues years before blood sugar levels become elevated.*
Dr. Passero recommends the Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel for anyone seeking to:*
What’s Included in the Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL Panel
This panel tests for the following key markers that influence metabolic and blood sugar health:*
What to Expect After Ordering Your Lab Test
After purchasing a lab test from Durable, you’ll receive an order confirmation right away. Your lab order will be emailed separately within two business days. All lab-related communications—including your lab order, instructions and results notifications—are sent via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant email from labs@livedurable.com. To ensure timely delivery, we recommend adding this address to your contacts and checking your spam or promotions folder.
Lab Locations
We've partnered with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics for convenient blood draw locations nationwide. Once your lab order is emailed to you, it will designate the most convenient location based on your address. You should contact the lab directly to schedule an appointment, and we recommend having your blood draw performed within 2-4 weeks. If you have any concerns about the selected location, please email labs@livedurable.com to explore alternative options.
Timing of Results
Once your blood draw is complete, most results are available within one week. You’ll receive an email notification from labs@livedurable.com when your results are ready to review.
How to Interpret Results
All test results include a lab-generated reference range reflecting values commonly seen in a healthy population. Results are flagged only when they fall outside this range as high or low. While these reference ranges provide helpful context, results are best interpreted alongside your health history, symptoms and trends over time and should be reviewed with your healthcare practitioner.
If you are interested in a virtual lab review with Dr. Passero, you may email his office at GetHealthy@DrKevinPassero.com to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Passero uses this panel to identify early metabolic dysfunction, particularly insulin resistance, a common driver of chronic disease that’s often overlooked. Many individuals with insulin resistance have normal glucose levels early on, making insulin and HA1C critical for uncovering problems that more basic screening can miss. Together, these markers provide insight into how effectively the body is responding to insulin and regulating blood sugar.*
By measuring both fasting glucose and fasting insulin, this panel also allows for the calculation of HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), a widely used method for assessing insulin resistance. This calculation helps detect early changes in how the body responds to insulin—often identifying issues years before blood sugar levels become elevated.*
Dr. Passero recommends the Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel for anyone seeking to:*
- Identify early signs of insulin resistance or blood sugar dysregulation
- Better understand metabolic risk factors that may contribute to weight gain, fatigue or cardiovascular disease
- Monitor how diet, exercise or lifestyle changes are affecting blood sugar control
What’s Included in the Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL Panel
This panel tests for the following key markers that influence metabolic and blood sugar health:*
- Fasting Glucose—Fasting glucose measures the amount of sugar in the blood after an overnight fast. Because eating can temporarily raise glucose levels, testing in a fasted state helps ensure the result reflects baseline blood sugar control. When interpreted alongside insulin and HA1C, it provides important context for overall blood sugar regulation.
- Fasting Insulin—Insulin is the hormone responsible for moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. Elevated insulin levels often indicate insulin resistance, meaning the body must produce more insulin to maintain blood sugar in a healthy range—an early and common sign of metabolic dysfunction. Measuring insulin in a fasted state is critical, as eating can temporarily raise insulin levels and obscure early signs of insulin resistance.
- HA1C (Hemoglobin A1C)—HA1C reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 12 weeks, offering a longer-term view of blood sugar regulation. Unlike fasting glucose or insulin, HA1C is not affected by short-term changes and helps identify sustained patterns of blood sugar elevations that may signal ongoing metabolic strain or increased diabetes risk.
What to Expect After Ordering Your Lab Test
After purchasing a lab test from Durable, you’ll receive an order confirmation right away. Your lab order will be emailed separately within two business days. All lab-related communications—including your lab order, instructions and results notifications—are sent via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant email from labs@livedurable.com. To ensure timely delivery, we recommend adding this address to your contacts and checking your spam or promotions folder.
Lab Locations
We've partnered with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics for convenient blood draw locations nationwide. Once your lab order is emailed to you, it will designate the most convenient location based on your address. You should contact the lab directly to schedule an appointment, and we recommend having your blood draw performed within 2-4 weeks. If you have any concerns about the selected location, please email labs@livedurable.com to explore alternative options.
Timing of Results
Once your blood draw is complete, most results are available within one week. You’ll receive an email notification from labs@livedurable.com when your results are ready to review.
How to Interpret Results
All test results include a lab-generated reference range reflecting values commonly seen in a healthy population. Results are flagged only when they fall outside this range as high or low. While these reference ranges provide helpful context, results are best interpreted alongside your health history, symptoms and trends over time and should be reviewed with your healthcare practitioner.
If you are interested in a virtual lab review with Dr. Passero, you may email his office at GetHealthy@DrKevinPassero.com to schedule an appointment.
Lab-Specific FAQs
+
What does the Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel test for?
Fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HA1C.*
Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
Yes. The Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel requires 10-12 hours of fasting prior to testing. Water is allowed during the fasting period, but other beverages should be avoided for the most accurate results.*
Can I take medications beforehand?
Yes. Most medications do not interfere with the tests in this panel. Do not stop medications unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.*
Will recent diet or alcohol intake affect my results?
Yes. Recent dietary choices and alcohol intake can temporarily influence glucose and insulin levels. Eating late, consuming high-carbohydrate or high-sugar meals, or drinking alcohol the evening before testing may cause results to appear higher than your usual baseline. Following fasting instructions and testing under typical conditions helps ensure more accurate results.*
How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends routine monitoring of these markers, with testing every 3-6 months for most adults. Re-testing at the recommended interval allows you and your healthcare practitioner to monitor trends over time, assess how your body is responding to lifestyle or nutritional changes and make informed adjustments. Testing frequency should be individualized based on risk factors, clinical context and your doctor’s recommendations.*
Does insurance cover the cost of my tests?
Lab tests must be paid for in full at checkout using a credit card, a supported payment platform (such as Shop Pay, PayPal, Google Pay or Venmo), or an eligible FSA/HSA debit card. In some cases, health insurance providers may reimburse individuals for lab testing. You can contact your insurance provider directly to determine whether reimbursement is available. Please note that Durable is unable to provide insurance paperwork or assist with claim submission.
Can I get a refund if I choose not to get my lab work?
Yes. You may request a refund within 365 days of purchase, as long as you have not visited the lab and had your blood drawn.
Can I use a coupon when purchasing my lab test?
At this time, promotions and coupons cannot be applied to lab testing. Lab pricing reflects the cost of clinical testing and processing, and discounts are not available for these services. However, you can redeem Durable REWARDS points at checkout, and when you purchase a lab order, you’ll earn additional points.
Is this blood test for adults only?
Durable lab testing is intended for adults 18 years and older. Testing for individuals under 18 is only recommended when directed by a qualified healthcare provider.*
Fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HA1C.*
Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
Yes. The Durable BLOOD SUGAR ESSENTIAL panel requires 10-12 hours of fasting prior to testing. Water is allowed during the fasting period, but other beverages should be avoided for the most accurate results.*
Can I take medications beforehand?
Yes. Most medications do not interfere with the tests in this panel. Do not stop medications unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.*
Will recent diet or alcohol intake affect my results?
Yes. Recent dietary choices and alcohol intake can temporarily influence glucose and insulin levels. Eating late, consuming high-carbohydrate or high-sugar meals, or drinking alcohol the evening before testing may cause results to appear higher than your usual baseline. Following fasting instructions and testing under typical conditions helps ensure more accurate results.*
How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends routine monitoring of these markers, with testing every 3-6 months for most adults. Re-testing at the recommended interval allows you and your healthcare practitioner to monitor trends over time, assess how your body is responding to lifestyle or nutritional changes and make informed adjustments. Testing frequency should be individualized based on risk factors, clinical context and your doctor’s recommendations.*
Does insurance cover the cost of my tests?
Lab tests must be paid for in full at checkout using a credit card, a supported payment platform (such as Shop Pay, PayPal, Google Pay or Venmo), or an eligible FSA/HSA debit card. In some cases, health insurance providers may reimburse individuals for lab testing. You can contact your insurance provider directly to determine whether reimbursement is available. Please note that Durable is unable to provide insurance paperwork or assist with claim submission.
Can I get a refund if I choose not to get my lab work?
Yes. You may request a refund within 365 days of purchase, as long as you have not visited the lab and had your blood drawn.
Can I use a coupon when purchasing my lab test?
At this time, promotions and coupons cannot be applied to lab testing. Lab pricing reflects the cost of clinical testing and processing, and discounts are not available for these services. However, you can redeem Durable REWARDS points at checkout, and when you purchase a lab order, you’ll earn additional points.
Is this blood test for adults only?
Durable lab testing is intended for adults 18 years and older. Testing for individuals under 18 is only recommended when directed by a qualified healthcare provider.*
