BioMarker Converter: US <-> UK
Convert blood test results between US and UK units, understand optimal ranges, and assess metabolic health risks.
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Total Cholesterol (TC)
A context marker for hormone health and cardiovascular risk. Extremely low levels can indicate hormone dysfunction.
TC is a context marker. High levels may indicate low T3 or nutritional deficiency.
Cardiometabolic Health
Total Cholesterol (TC)
A context marker for hormone health and cardiovascular risk. Extremely low levels can indicate hormone dysfunction.
LDL Cholesterol
Basic surrogate for ApoB. Dangerous when oxidized or paired with inflammation.
HDL Cholesterol
Correlates with metabolic flexibility. Low levels often mean inflammation or insulin resistance.
Triglycerides
Strong predictor of heart disease and fatty liver. Indicates impaired fat oxidation.
TG : HDL Ratio
Brutally accurate marker of insulin resistance and small dense LDL.
ApoB / ApoA1 Ratio
Strongest predictor of cardiovascular events. Balance of atherogenic vs protective particles.
Glucose, Insulin & Metabolic Health
Fasting Glucose
Single snapshot of glucose control. High levels indicate hepatic insulin resistance.
Fasting Insulin
Best early indicator of metabolic dysfunction. High insulin drives fat gain and inflammation.
C-Peptide
Shows actual insulin production. High = burnout risk. Low = exhaustion.
HbA1c
Long-term marker of glycation/average glucose over 2-3 months.
Blood Pressure & Vascular Indicators
Blood Pressure (Systolic)
The pressure when the heart beats. High values indicate stiff arteries or stress.
Blood Pressure (Diastolic)
The pressure when the heart rests. Indicates vessel tone and fluid status.
Understanding Your Biomarkers
Monitoring your metabolic health through blood biomarkers is one of the most effective ways to prevent chronic disease and optimize your performance. However, interpreting these results can be challenging due to different measurement units used across the world—specifically between the United States (mg/dL) and the United Kingdom/International System (mmol/L).
Common Blood Test Conversions
Many countries report lipid panels (cholesterol, triglycerides) and glucose in mmol/L (millimoles per liter), while the US uses mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). This tool uses precise molecular weight factors to convert between these units accurately.
For example, to convert Total Cholesterol from mg/dL to mmol/L, you divide by 38.67. To convert Glucose, you divide by 18. HbA1c uses a more complex formula as it converts between a percentage (%) and mmol/mol.
Why Context Matters
A single number rarely tells the whole story. For example, Total Cholesterol is often demonized, but it provides essential building blocks for your hormones and cell membranes. The context—such as your Triglyceride to HDL Ratio—is often a much stronger predictor of metabolic health and cardiovascular risk than cholesterol alone.
Key Metabolic Indicators
Lipids & Cardiovascular
- Total Cholesterol: The overall measure of cholesterol in your blood. While often demonized, cholesterol is essential for building cell membranes, producing Vitamin D, and synthesizing hormones like testosterone and estrogen. High levels are only one part of the risk picture.
- LDL Cholesterol: Low-Density Lipoprotein is the carrier that transports cholesterol to cells. It is often called "bad" because small, dense LDL particles can lodge in artery walls, leading to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). Large, fluffy LDL is generally less harmful.
- HDL Cholesterol: High-Density Lipoprotein acts as a scavenger, carrying excess cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for disposal. Higher levels are generally protective and associated with metabolic health.
- Triglycerides: The most common form of fat in the body, storing excess energy from your diet. High triglycerides are a strong indicator of insulin resistance and are often caused by excessive intake of sugar, refined carbs, and alcohol.
- ApoB: Apopolipoprotein B is the primary protein found on all atherogenic (plaque-forming) particles, including LDL and VLDL. It provides a more accurate measure of cardiovascular risk than standard LDL cholesterol because it counts the actual number of dangerous particles.
- Lipoprotein(a): A genetically determined type of LDL particle that carries an extra protein (apolipoprotein(a)). This "sticky" particle increases the risk of clotting and plaque formation. Levels are largely genetic and less influenced by lifestyle than other lipids.
Metabolic & Vascular
- Fasting Glucose: A snapshot of your blood sugar after at least 8 hours without food. Chronically high levels indicate that your body is struggling to manage sugar, potentially leading to pre-diabetes or diabetes.
- Fasting Insulin: Insulin is the hormone that drives glucose into cells. High fasting insulin is often the *first* sign of metabolic dysfunction, appearing years before blood sugar rises. It drives fat storage and inflammation.
- HbA1c: Hemoglobin A1c provides a 3-month average of your blood sugar levels by measuring how much sugar is attached to your red blood cells. It is the gold standard for diagnosing diabetes and tracking long-term glucose control.
- C-Peptide: A substance produced in equal amounts to insulin. Since it stays in the blood longer than insulin, it provides a more stable and accurate measure of your pancreas's insulin production capability, helping distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes issues.
- Blood Pressure: The force of blood pushing against artery walls. High blood pressure (hypertension) damages arteries over time, forcing the heart to work harder and increasing the risk of stroke and kidney disease.
- Resting Heart Rate: The number of times your heart beats per minute when at complete rest. A lower RHR usually indicates better cardiovascular fitness and efficient heart function, while a high RHR can signal stress, inflammation, or poor fitness.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of your blood work.