Metabolic and inflammatory blood test

Metabolic and inflammatory blood and urine test with glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR index, glycated haemoglobin and high-sensitivity CRP, plus full blood count, cholesterol, kidneys, liver, ferritin and TSH. It is designed to extend a general check-up when the main question is metabolic risk.

No prescription or appointment needed

Results in 1-2 working days

Blood and urine sample. Includes: Full blood count · Glucose · Insulin · HOMA-IR index · Glycated haemoglobin · Lipid profile and ratios · High-sensitivity CRP · Urea. 16 in total. See what each one measures

What it is for

It looks at two things within a broad check-up. First, glucose regulation, through glucose, HbA1c, insulin and the HOMA-IR index. Second, high-sensitivity CRP as a non-specific marker of low-grade inflammation.

It can add context with excess weight, a larger waist measurement, a family history of diabetes or a previous borderline glucose. On its own it does not diagnose insulin resistance, nor does it identify the cause of a raised CRP.

When it is recommended

A family history of type 2 diabetes
Excess weight or a larger waist measurement
Borderline glucose or glycated haemoglobin in previous blood tests
Metabolic syndrome, fatty liver or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
A general check-up to which you want to add a specific metabolism and inflammation block

Clinical comment

HOMA-IR estimates insulin resistance, but there is no universal cut-off and it is not part of the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Its value lies in adding context to glucose and HbA1c, not in giving a diagnosis on its own.

High-sensitivity CRP also requires context. It can be used as a modifier of cardiovascular risk in selected situations, but it rises with infections, injuries, inflammatory diseases and intense exercise. A high value does not on its own point to where the problem is, and it usually has to be repeated once any acute process has resolved.

We have designed this profile for people who want a general check-up with a specific metabolic question. If the only aim is to assess insulin resistance, the HOMA-IR profile is a closer fit. If the priority is an advanced cardiovascular assessment, the blood test with ApoB and Lp(a) covers that aim better.

Dr. Antonio Mas

What is tested

Full blood count: Checks red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Glucose: Measures fasting blood sugar.
Insulin: Shows how much insulin is circulating while fasting and is interpreted together with glucose.
HOMA-IR index (calculated): Estimates insulin resistance from fasting glucose and insulin.
Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c): Reflects average glucose over the last two or three months.
Lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides) and ratios
High-sensitivity CRP: Measures low-grade inflammation, although it does not identify its cause and can rise with any recent inflammatory process.
Urea: Adds complementary information about hydration, protein metabolism and kidney function.
Creatinine and eGFR: Assess kidney function.
Uric acid: Completes the metabolic and kidney assessment.
Sodium and potassium: Assess the balance of electrolytes.
AST, ALT and GGT: Enzymes that point to possible liver abnormalities.
Total bilirubin: Completes the liver assessment.
Ferritin: Estimates iron stores, although it can also rise with inflammation.
Urinalysis and sediment: Looks for protein, blood, glucose, white blood cells and other urinary abnormalities.
TSH: The first test for assessing thyroid function.

These tests are used to calculate Índice HOMA-IR. They are not separate tests.

How to prepare

Fast for 8 to 12 hours. You can drink water. Bring a sample of your first urine of the morning or collect it at the partner centre. If you have recently had a fever, an infection or inflammation, wait until you have recovered before measuring high-sensitivity CRP.

You can add

Without another needle. It is offered when you order, so you do not have to decide now.

Advanced lipid panelExtends standard cholesterol with ApoB, lipoprotein(a) and homocysteine, markers that refine the assessment of cardiovascular risk and are not usually measured routinely.+€59.00

Related blood tests

We have other profiles in General blood tests with more or fewer tests:

The most comprehensive is not always the most useful. If you are not sure, the one we recommend to start with is Full general blood and urine check-up.

What it is based on

American Diabetes Association · Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026 · Diabetes Care 49(Supl 1):S27-S49
Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes
Recommends screening for prediabetes and diabetes with fasting glucose or glycated haemoglobin, at any age when there is excess weight with at least one risk factor. These are the guideline-based tests in the metabolic block of this profile.
Matthews DR, Hosker JP, Rudenski AS, et al. · Diabetologia 28(7):412-419
Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and beta-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in man
This is the paper that describes the HOMA index from fasting glucose and insulin. No diabetes guideline includes it in screening or sets a cut-off: HOMA-IR and high-sensitivity CRP are included here on clinical judgement and usual practice.

Protocol designed by Dr. Antonio Mas, specialist in Endocrinology and Nutrition, Spanish medical licence no. 080846289, and reviewed in September 2026.

This blood test is a standardised protocol and does not replace a medical consultation. If you have symptoms, a known condition or a complex clinical situation, speak to your doctor.