What baseline and follow-up labs mean during GLP-1 therapy. A reference for patients reviewing their results.
About this article
Reviewed byDr. Richard Allen, M.D.
RoleEndocrinology Reviewer
First publishedMay 20, 2026
Last reviewedMay 20, 2026
Page typeIn-depth editorial guide
Sources15+ cited sources
Standard baseline panel
- CMP — kidney function (eGFR, creatinine), liver enzymes (ALT, AST), electrolytes.
- Lipid panel — baseline LDL, HDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol.
- A1c — glycemic baseline (diabetic vs prediabetic vs normal).
- TSH — thyroid baseline (especially relevant given MTC class warning).
- Lipase — pancreatic baseline (recommend baseline check given pancreatitis warnings).
What changes at 3 months
Most patients show: A1c down 0.5–1.5%; LDL down 5–10%; triglycerides down 15–30%; liver enzymes typically improve as visceral adiposity drops; eGFR usually stable (transient bumps with dehydration).
When labs trigger workup
- eGFR drop >15% from baseline — assess hydration, NSAIDs, contrast exposure.
- ALT/AST >3× ULN — workup for MASH/MASLD or alternative.
- Lipase >3× ULN with abdominal pain — clinical pancreatitis workup.
- TSH >5 — consider hypothyroidism workup (separate from GLP-1).