Understanding Functional Lab Ranges: Why "Normal" Isn’t Always Optimal

Hi, I’m Lauren Silverman, and welcome to Longevity with Lauren—a space born from over four years of passion, research, and manifestation around wellness, autoimmune healing, and holistic health.

After graduating from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in 2025 as a-Certified Health Coach, I continued my journey by pursuing advanced training in functional medicine. My mission is to blend the best of science, Eastern and Western medicine, and integrative approaches to help you get to the root of your symptoms—especially when conventional medicine leaves you with more questions than answers.

The Truth About Blood Work

Did you know your lab results can be “normal” but still not optimal?

That’s where functional lab interpretation comes in. Unlike conventional medicine, which uses broad reference ranges designed to catch disease, functional medicine looks at much narrower, more precise ranges to spot early signs of imbalance—long before a diagnosis ever enters the room.

Let’s take fasting glucose as an example:

Fasting Glucose (mg/dL)	Conventional Range	Functional Range
"Normal"	70 – 99 mg/dL	75 – 86 mg/dL
Prediabetes Risk	100 – 125 mg/dL	> 86 mg/dL
Diabetes	≥ 126 mg/dL

You might be told your glucose of 95 is fine—but functionally, that could indicate early dysregulation or insulin resistance. And if you’ve been struggling with fatigue, cravings, brain fog, or stubborn weight, this subtle imbalance could be the missing piece.

Why It Matters

Using functional ranges, we can identify red flags and create a personalized plan—rooted in nutrition, movement, mindset, and lifestyle—that helps support your body before it breaks down. It’s not about fear; it’s about empowerment.

✨ Whether you're navigating autoimmune symptoms, unexplained fatigue, or just want to optimize your health from the inside out, I’m here to help decode your labs, support your healing, and bring balance back into your life—naturally.

Ready to get started? Let’s uncover the deeper story your body is trying to tell.