Affairs of The Heart: Understanding Hidden Lab Factors that Can Keep You Ticking
An Online Class on Preventing Heart Disease and Diabetes
March 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2026 (Wednesdays)
Most of us know—at least in the background—that heart disease and diabetes matter. But the scale of the problem is easy to underestimate. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. About 12% of adults have diabetes, many without knowing it. Nearly one in three has prediabetes, and most are completely unaware of it. These numbers aren’t meant to alarm—but they do invite a closer look.
In routine medical care, prevention is often reduced to a few familiar lab markers, usually cholesterol and blood sugar. While those numbers matter, they tell only part of the story. In fact, nearly half of all heart attacks occur in people whose cholesterol was not considered “high.” Standard approaches often miss earlier drivers of risk and don’t fully explain what actually moves the needle toward protection and resilience.
This class is designed to fill in those gaps. No labs are required. Instead, we’ll focus on understanding risk more clearly—what contributes to heart disease and diabetes long before symptoms appear, why common markers can be misleading, and what practical, evidence-informed steps you can take to lower risk over time.
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s more you could be doing—or more you should understand—this course is for you. And yes, we do have some answers.
Class Overview
We will meet virtually for four weekly 90-minute sessions to take a deeper, more practical look at what actually drives risk for heart disease and diabetes. While weight, diet, and exercise matter, they are only part of the picture. This course explores the broader landscape of cardiovascular and metabolic risk—including genetic influences, environmental factors, insulin resistance, inflammation, and lipid patterns that are often overlooked in routine care.
A key focus of the class is learning how to interpret risk, not just track numbers. We will clearly explain laboratory markers that help reveal earlier and more meaningful patterns—such as insulin, HbA1c, small dense LDL, apoB, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)—and how they fit together to tell a more complete story about metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Labs are not required to participate. For those who want a more personalized experience, optional lab testing will be available, and we can submit lab orders prior to the class so you can follow along using your own results. Or following the class, after you are better informed, we can also decide what you may want to test. Whether or not you choose testing, the emphasis remains on understanding patterns, asking better questions, and knowing what actions actually reduce risk.
By the end of the four weeks, you will have a clearer, more grounded understanding of your cardiovascular and diabetes risk—and, just as importantly, practical steps you can take to protect your health over time.
Class Instructors and Schedule
This class will be hosted by Dr. Lukaczer and Monique Class, MS, APRN, BC.
All classes and QA sessions are are conveniently online.
Dr. Dan Lukaczer, ND
I have been a Naturopathic Doctor for over 30 years. I received my undergraduate degree from Duke University and my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington.
Early in my career, I became deeply involved in the development and application of functional medicine. I previously served as Director of Clinical Research at Metagenics’ Functional Medicine Research Center and later as Director of Medical Education at the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), where I taught functional medicine concepts to clinicians around the world.
In 2025, I stepped away from my formal role at IFM. I continue to see patients virtually on a limited basis, consult with clinicians and organizations, and focus on expanding online classes and group-based educational programs that translate functional and integrative principles into practical, sustainable care.
Monique Class, MS, APRN, BC
Monique Class, MS, APRN, BC, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist in holistic health at The Center for Functional Medicine in Stamford, CT. Recognized as a thought leader and sought-after teacher in the fields of integrative health care and holistic nursing, Monique is a senior faculty member for The Institute for Functional Medicine, a clinical instructor for Yale Graduate School of Nursing, a senior faculty member for The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, and a founding member and director of coaching development for the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
Online Class Payment & Lab Costs
If you are a patient of Dr. Lukaczer, the cost of the online class on heart diseases and diabetes can be billed directly to your insurance plan (co-pays and deductibles apply). You can find a list of insurances we take by clicking here. If your insurance is not listed, or are not a current patient, the cash price is $350, and payment is due in full prior to the first class for cash participants.
The cost of labs is in addition to the class cost and is between you and your insurance company. You will need to use either Quest or LabCorp.
To get the full benefit of the group experience, these classes will not be recorded so live participation is required.
To register or if you have questions, email info@drdanlukaczer.com or call 253.319.1900