Reading Between the Lines: Why Functional Blood Test Patterns Matter

When it comes to your blood test results, most people are told one of two things at their GP’s office. Either everything is fine, or something’s out of range. But what about everything in between? What if you’re not technically unwell, but you’re not feeling great either? This grey area is where functional blood test analysis makes a world of difference. Instead of just ticking boxes, we look for patterns, how your results are changing over time and what that says about your overall health trajectory. Le’ts take a deeper look into this!

Why looking at patterns matters

Health isn’t static, and neither are your blood results. Tracking your markers year after year gives us insight into trends, such as whether your energy, inflammation, or nutrient levels are improving, declining, or holding steady.

Your doctor’s job is to screen for disease, which is incredibly important. But their focus is only on whether your results are in or out of range.

As a naturopath, I’m looking at something entirely different:

• Are your results optimal, not just normal?

• Are we seeing subtle shifts that might lead to chronic issues later?

• What does this pattern say about how your body is functioning today?

This proactive approach helps us address imbalances years before they would show up as a diagnosis.

The hidden story behind your blood sugar

Take blood sugar, for example. A standard blood test may include glucose, and if it’s in range, that’s usually where the conversation stops.

But when I look at your results, I’m also paying attention to insulin levels. Why? Because raised insulin can appear 7–13 years before diabetes develops.

This early marker tells us your cells are already struggling with blood sugar regulation. By spotting that trend now, we can make simple diet and lifestyle changes that prevent insulin resistance from progressing.

That’s the power of functional testing, it allows prevention, not just reaction.

Homocysteine: The under-recognised marker

Homocysteine is another one that often goes under the radar in conventional medicine.

Many doctors don’t test for it because there’s no medication to “fix” it. But functionally, it’s incredibly useful. Homocysteine is a marker of methylation, which affects how your body processes B vitamins, detoxifies hormones, and protects your cardiovascular system.

If it’s elevated, it can signal issues with nutrient metabolism, inflammation, or cardiovascular risk, all of which can be addressed naturally through targeted nutrition and lifestyle support. It's one of those markers that gives you huge insight into your long-term health story, yet it’s so often overlooked.

CRP and inflammation: The quiet signal

Inflammation is at the root of almost every chronic condition, but standard blood tests often don’t pick up early signs.

That’s why I use high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) — a more sensitive version of the traditional CRP test. It helps us detect even low-grade inflammation that can influence everything from joint pain and energy levels to heart disease risk.

Catching these early changes allows us to intervene before inflammation becomes chronic.

The importance of nutrient markers

Some of the most common patterns I see when reviewing blood work involve nutrient depletion.

• Vitamin D: Optimal levels support immunity, bone strength, and hormone balance. Normal levels may still be too low to protect against fatigue, low mood, or immune vulnerability.

• Vitamin B12: Low or low-normal B12 is a common cause of tiredness, poor focus, and nerve-related symptoms. It’s especially important for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone with digestive issues.

• Thyroid function: Instead of just looking at TSH, I review the full thyroid panel (T3, T4, antibodies, and reverse T3) to understand how your thyroid hormones are being converted and utilised.

Nutrients and hormones are deeply connected. When one is off balance, the whole system can feel the effects.

Lipids and cardiovascular health

Your cholesterol panel is another area where functional interpretation makes a big difference.

A GP might note whether your total cholesterol is high or low. But I also look at the relationship between HDL (“good” cholesterol) and triglycerides.

Ideally, HDL should be higher than triglycerides. When that balance flips, it can indicate insulin resistance or metabolic dysfunction, even if your total cholesterol looks fine on paper.

I will also take into account your homocysteine and HsCRP, as all three of these markers together will tell me the story and likelihood of cardiovascular disease risk.

The subtleties within your blood markers often reveal metabolic issues long before they show up as heart disease or diabetes, which is why it's so important to have them assessed and understood by your practitioner!

Why this matters for you

Understanding your blood test results this way empowers you to make informed, meaningful changes. It’s about connecting the dots, not waiting for something to go wrong.

Functional analysis allows us to:

• Detect patterns early and prevent chronic disease

• Tailor nutrition and supplements to your unique needs

• Track how your health is evolving over time

• Bring context to those borderline results that might otherwise be dismissed

When we use your blood results as a roadmap, your care becomes more personalised, proactive, and effective.

The takeaway

Your blood test results are more than numbers, they’re a story of how your body is working right now. By comparing results over time and looking for functional patterns, we can uncover the small changes that lead to lasting health transformation. It’s not about chasing perfection, it’s about understanding what your body needs today to prevent tomorrow’s issues.

If you’d like to take a deeper look at your results and learn what they’re really telling you, book an appointment with me. Together, we’ll go beyond the ranges and uncover the patterns that matter.