What blood tests are needed before starting GLP-1?

HbA1c, Fasting Glucose, Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR, Lipid Profile, LFT, KFT (Creatinine), TSH, Amylase/Lipase, CBC, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D. Together these establish baseline metabolism, rule out contraindications (pancreatitis history, severe kidney disease), and let the team measure response.

Why test amylase and lipase before GLP-1?

GLP-1 has a small risk of acute pancreatitis. Knowing the baseline level allows the team to detect significant rise early. Amylase/Lipase is repeated if abdominal pain develops during therapy — prompt detection prevents complications.

How often should tests be repeated on GLP-1?

3 months: HbA1c, Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR, Lipid, LFT (response check). 6 months: full panel repeat. Annually: full monitoring panel. If symptoms develop: amylase/lipase, LFT immediately.

What's the cost of a complete pre-GLP-1 panel?

Individual tests: ₹50–800 each. Pre-GLP-1 Comprehensive Package: typically ₹4,500–6,000. Many insurance plans cover diagnostic workup for diabetes — check with your provider.

Can I start GLP-1 without these tests?

It is possible but not advisable. Without baseline, the team cannot quantify your response, cannot detect pancreatitis early, cannot confirm the medication is appropriate for your specific metabolic pattern. Skipping baseline saves a few thousand rupees but loses much of the safety advantage of medical supervision.

Does Gini test for everything in one visit?

Yes — all 12 tests can be drawn in one blood collection (no fasting tests separated). Home collection 7am–10am or in-lab. Results delivered to WhatsApp within 24–48 hours for the full panel.

Blood Tests Before GLP-1 Therapy — Mounjaro / Wegovy / Ozempic Baseline

Why Baseline

Why GLP-1 Therapy Needs Baseline Testing

GLP-1 therapies (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic) are powerful metabolic medications — not casual weight loss drugs. Before starting, baseline testing serves three purposes:

Confirm GLP-1 is the right choice — suitable for diabetes/insulin resistance/obesity, not for thin patients with normal metabolism.
Establish your starting point — so the team can quantify response and adjust dose precisely.
Rule out contraindications — pancreatitis history, certain thyroid conditions, severe gastrointestinal disease.

This page lists the complete pre-GLP-1 panel Dr. Bhansali uses at Gini.

Full Panel

The Complete Pre-GLP-1 Panel

Test	Price	Why You Need It
HbA1c →	₹350	Baseline glycaemic control — track diabetes response
Fasting Blood Glucose →	₹50	Baseline fasting sugar
Fasting Insulin →	₹400	Insulin resistance baseline — predicts response to GLP-1
HOMA-IR →	₹450	Quantified insulin resistance
Lipid Profile →	₹450	GLP-1 improves lipids — baseline lets us measure
LFT →	₹550	Liver baseline — GLP-1 improves NAFLD
KFT (Creatinine) →	₹100	Kidney baseline
TSH →	₹200	Thyroid baseline — check before any metabolic drug
Amylase / Lipase →	₹400	Pancreatitis baseline — monitor during therapy
CBC →	₹350	General health baseline
Vitamin B12 →	₹600	Many on metformin alongside GLP-1 — check B12
Vitamin D →	₹800	Often deficient in obesity — correct alongside GLP-1

Repeat Schedule

When to Repeat These Tests on GLP-1

3 months in: HbA1c, Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR, Lipid Profile, LFT — assess metabolic response.
6 months: Full panel repeat to confirm sustained response.
If pancreatitis symptoms develop: Amylase/Lipase immediately. Stop GLP-1 if elevated.
Annually: Full panel for ongoing monitoring while on therapy.