In recent years, there has been a rise in health-conscious Americans or individuals who actively prioritize their well-being through informed choices and preventative measures. These individuals are proactively managing their health through regular checkups, mindful lifestyle choices, and a focus on nutrition, fitness, and stress management. 

One critical aspect of this preventative approach that is often missed is regular A1C testing. Often associated with diabetes management, the A1C test is a valuable tool for assessing long-term blood sugar control and overall metabolic health, even for those without diabetes. 

What it Means to Be Focused on Health in 2025

Health-conscious Americans are taking charge of their well-being by shifting from reactive to proactive care, which includes regular monitoring and preventative measures. This aligns with current wellness trends, including biohacking, preventative diagnostics, and a focus on longevity. These trends emphasize the importance of tracking various health metrics, using tools like wearables, and at-home lab tests. 

One key metric is the A1C test, which measures average blood sugar levels over time. While traditionally associated with diabetes management, according to Carbon Health “A1C testing has been proven to be a useful diagnostic tool for macrovascular complications (coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke) and microvascular complications (diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy).”

Health-Conscious Consumers Invest More in Their Wellness

Health-conscious consumers are additionally financially invested in their well-being. Americans overall spend over $450 billion per year on wellness, which includes expenses for regular checkups, personalized testing, supplements, and nutrition coaching. 

For instance, membership programs offering tailored fitness and biomarker assessments can cost up to $40,000 per year. Additionally, personalized testing and supplements have gained popularity as preventative measures. Gym memberships and fitness services are also a popular investment, with about 20% of American adults holding fitness club memberships.

These consumers are additionally willing to pay out-of-pocket for services not typically covered by insurance, such as advanced lab panels and A1C spot tests. Even at-home diagnostic tests, like the ones offered by Function Health, can cost hundreds of dollars annually. For health-conscious individuals, these expenses are investments in preventative care, aiming to avoid the potentially high costs associated with future chronic conditions. 

Why Concierge Care and Telehealth are Popular Among Health-Conscious Consumers

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly turning to concierge care and telehealth services, motivated by factors beyond mere convenience. These services provide greater access to healthcare, control over health data, and direct communication with healthcare professionals. 

Patients can directly access their lab results, including A1C test results, without needing a traditional doctor’s appointment. Additionally, concierge care programs often include regular metabolic testing as part of their comprehensive services. 

Furthermore, subscription-based health services frequently incorporate A1C testing into their offerings. The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated the adoption of remote monitoring and mobile diagnostics, contributing to the rising popularity of these services.

Tech-Driven, Informed, and Empowered: How They Get it Done

Technology has provided numerous ways for health-conscious Americans to monitor and improve their well-being. Health-conscious consumers are more likely to utilize wearable devices like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track their blood sugar levels and stay informed about their metabolic health. Additionally, they leverage at-home blood tests, including A1C tests. To further support their health goals, they turn to apps and platforms such as MyFitnessPal, Whoop, InsideTracker, and Nutrisense, which offer tools for tracking nutrition, fitness, and other health metrics. 

These consumers are proactive in seeking out information to optimize their health, turning to podcasts like Huberman Lab and Peter Attia, as well as Substacks and online communities focused on health and biohacking on platforms such as Reddit or Twitter/X (The Times). They also utilize functional medicine websites and online panels. Empowered by this information, health-conscious consumers are not waiting for their primary care physicians to recommend tests to monitor their health. They are instead taking the initiative to utilize home monitoring tools and devices to take control of their health.

What Are the Outcomes for These Health-Savvy Americans?

Thanks to their proactive approach to health, health-conscious consumers often experience significantly improved health outcomes. Early detection of potential health issues is a cornerstone of preventative care, and these consumers are more likely to identify and address concerns like insulin resistance before they escalate into serious conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes. 

The CDC reports that 1 in 5 people with diabetes don’t know they have it, but proactively monitoring one’s health can improve health outcomes. Research supports this, indicating that those who regularly monitor their metabolic health can reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by up to 58%. 

Moreover, their focus on wellness often translates to improved fitness levels, enhanced cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, and better overall long-term health outcomes. Their influence extends beyond their own health as they often inspire and motivate friends and family to prioritize their health and undergo testing as well. 

For health-conscious individuals, incorporating A1C testing is a small step that can make a big impact. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, knowing your A1C can offer early insights into your overall metabolic health. Consider adding A1C testing to your routine checkups—whether through your doctor, a telehealth service, or an at-home test.

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