Taking GLP-1 medications in small fractions of their usual amounts aims for steady metabolic support — gentle appetite and blood-sugar effects — with less nausea, muscle loss, and cost. Full doses have a strong track record, but direct evidence for low doses stays thin, benefits and risks both appear milder yet unmeasured, and compounded product quality varies widely. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | < 5.4% | Tracks average blood sugar and metabolic response |
| Fasting glucose | 75–90 mg/dL | Detects insulin resistance and response |
| Fasting insulin | 2–6 µIU/mL | Sensitive early marker of insulin sensitivity |
| hs-CRP | < 1.0 mg/L | Gauges systemic inflammation, a proposed benefit pathway |
| Lipid panel | Triglycerides < 100 mg/dL; HDL > 50 mg/dL | Monitors cardiometabolic risk markers |
| Comprehensive metabolic panel | Within lab reference range | Checks kidney and liver function and electrolytes |
| Lipase | Within lab reference range | Baseline screen for pancreatic risk |
| TSH | 0.5–2.5 mIU/L | Baseline thyroid check before starting |
| Body composition | Preserve or increase lean mass | Confirms fat loss without excessive muscle loss |
| Resting heart rate and blood pressure | HR 50–70 bpm; BP < 120/80 mmHg | Detects the modest heart-rate rise and tracks blood-pressure benefit |
Cadence: Baseline before starting; review at 4–8 weeks, then every 3–6 months while continuing; more frequent if side effects or combination diabetes medications are involved