GLP-1 Follow-Up Labs

Last updated September 23, 2026·We earn a commission if you order through some links on this page, at no cost to you. How we make money

What does the prescribing information say about monitoring?

The FDA labels for semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) mention a few kinds of monitoring. Only some involve bloodwork:

• Blood glucose in people with diabetes. Monitor blood glucose before starting and during treatment. The risk of low blood sugar goes up when these drugs are combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea (Wegovy prescribing information, section 5.4) (Zepbound prescribing information, section 5.7).
• Kidney function after dehydrating side effects. Monitor kidney function in patients who report side effects that could lead to dehydration, especially when starting or raising the dose (Wegovy prescribing information, section 5.5) (Zepbound prescribing information, section 5.3).
• Eyes, for people with diabetic retinopathy. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored for progression (Wegovy prescribing information, section 5.8) (Mounjaro prescribing information, section 5.7). This is an eye exam, not a blood test.
• Heart rate. The Wegovy label says to monitor heart rate at regular intervals (Wegovy prescribing information, section 5.9). This is also not a blood test.

How often is A1c checked during GLP-1 treatment?

For people with diabetes, the ADA recommends assessing glycemic status at least twice a year, and more often, such as every three months, for people not meeting goals or with a recent treatment change (ADA Standards of Care 2026, Section 6, recommendation 6.2). Starting a GLP-1 counts as a treatment change.

For people taking a GLP-1 for weight management without diabetes, the labels do not set an A1c schedule. The prescriber decides.

How often are follow-up visits?

The ADA says that when obesity medication is started, its effectiveness and safety should be assessed at least monthly for the first three months and at least every three months after that (ADA Standards of Care 2026, Section 8). That describes check-ins, not a required lab schedule. The prescriber decides whether bloodwork is part of each visit.

Are cholesterol and kidney tests repeated?

For adults with diabetes or prediabetes, the ADA suggests a lipid profile at the initial evaluation and yearly after that, and a check 4 to 12 weeks after starting or changing cholesterol medication (ADA Standards of Care 2026, Section 10, recommendations 10.16 and 10.17). The ADA’s GLP-1 guidance also notes monitoring kidney function when starting or raising the dose in people with kidney impairment who report severe digestive side effects (ADA Standards of Care 2026, Section 9, Table 9.2).

What about nutrition during weight loss?

The ADA recommends counseling and regular monitoring of people pursuing intentional weight loss to make sure they get enough nutrition, with attention to protein and micronutrient deficiencies (ADA Standards of Care 2026, Section 8, recommendation 8.14). It does not name a specific lab panel for this. Any testing is up to the clinician.

What about lipase and pancreatitis?

The labels warn about acute pancreatitis and say to stop the drug if it is suspected. They also report that lipase and amylase levels rose on average in clinical trials, and that the meaning of those increases is unknown without other signs of pancreatitis (Wegovy prescribing information, sections 5.2 and 6.1) (Zepbound prescribing information, sections 5.5 and 6.1). Routine lipase testing is not listed.

Where can I get follow-up labs?

The same places as baseline labs: through the prescriber, or through an online lab testing company. Prices for the most common tests are on the cost guide. Bring any results to the prescriber, who can interpret them in context.