insulin resistance question

[Sheeta2586]

Hi there,

I asked my doctor if it was possible to have a fasting glucose test as a glucose test I had about a few months ago came up normal. She said that glucose levels often fluctuate so there would be no point having another glucose test. Is there any true way of finding out if you actually have insulin resistance or not? Diabetes runs in my family and Iam overweight now and have gained it rapidly since I was 19. I used to be very thin when I was younger. I'm not sure what skin tags are? Could you describe?


thanks,

Sheeta

[drheather]

Hi there,

I asked my doctor if it was possible to have a fasting glucose test as a glucose test I had about a few months ago came up normal. She said that glucose levels often fluctuate so there would be no point having another glucose test. Is there any true way of finding out if you actually have insulin resistance or not? Diabetes runs in my family and Iam overweight now and have gained it rapidly since I was 19. I used to be very thin when I was younger. I'm not sure what skin tags are? Could you describe?


thanks,

Sheeta

Hello Sheeta,

Thank you for posting. If your fasting glucose levels were normal a couple of months ago, it is likely they haven't changed too much, unless you have been eating more processed foods, exercising less, etc.

You can ask for a fasting insulin level, however, this will give you a much clearer picture of insulin resistance. If your levels are greater than 9-10, it is likely you are showing signs of insulin resistance.

Skin tags are little flaps of skin that often appear on the neck, under arms, breasts and can appear on other places on the body. This is often a sign of insulin resistance.

With your family history of diabetes and the excess weight, I would ask for the fasting insulin test know if you are insulin resistant. Even if the tests are normal, you are still at an increased risk for developing diabetes and I would recommend taking the necessary steps to support weight loss and optimizing your health.

I hope that this helps. Please let me know if I can help further.