What is metabolic health index?
Metabolism is the set of processes that turn food into energy and keep it in balance. After you eat, blood sugar rises and the hormone insulin helps move glucose into your cells. Your body also manages lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, which are vital for cells and hormones. When cells respond less readily to insulin, known as insulin resistance, the system has to work harder. Metabolic health describes how smoothly all of this runs.
How your genes play a role
Research has identified DNA methylation markers associated with blood glucose, blood lipids and insulin resistance. Some sit in regions involved in how the body handles fats and sugars. These patterns can reflect longer-term metabolic states shaped by diet, activity, sleep, body composition and genetics. The metabolic health index combines these markers to estimate how your metabolic systems are functioning, seen through your epigenome rather than a single fasting blood test.
Metabolic changes often develop gradually and quietly, sometimes years before they show up in routine tests. An epigenetic view adds another perspective on how your body is handling energy. It can help you and your clinician think about meals, movement and sleep in a more personal way, and decide whether standard measures such as glucose or cholesterol testing would be helpful to add to your picture.
What your report shows
Your Metabolic Health Index results are explained in plain language in your private EvoDNA account, alongside the other areas in your kit.
- Glucose markersMethylation patterns associated with how your body manages blood sugar.
- Lipid markersSignals linked with how your body handles cholesterol and other blood fats.
- Insulin sensitivityMarkers that research has associated with insulin resistance.
- Change over timeWith repeat testing, how your metabolic profile responds to changes in your habits.
Each result comes with a plain-language explanation and practical points to discuss with your clinician.
Illustration only. Your report reflects your own genetic results.
Genes we analyze
Full panel: 3 genes
Glucose, lipid, and insulin resistance methylation markers
Putting results to use
Many people use their results as a starting point for conversations with their clinician about:
Pairing carbohydrates with fiber, protein and healthy fats is often suggested for steadier blood sugar.
A short walk after eating is commonly discussed as a gentle support for glucose balance.
Muscle is a major user of glucose, so strength training is a frequent recommendation.
Regular sleep and meal timing may help the body manage energy more smoothly.
Questions
Is this a test for diabetes?
No. It is an epigenetic estimate of metabolic health, not a diagnosis. Your clinician can order glucose and HbA1c tests if they are appropriate.
Can I have good blood tests and a higher index?
It is possible. The two measure different things, and methylation may reflect longer-term patterns. Your clinician can help you weigh them together.
Can my metabolic index improve?
Research suggests metabolic methylation markers can respond to changes in diet, activity and weight. Retesting after a period of change can show how your profile moves.
