Testing & Diagnosis for IR (Beyond A1c)
“Why Your A1c is ‘Normal’ But You STILL Have Insulin Resistance (The $50 Test That Proves It!)”
Sarah’s A1c was consistently “normal” at 5.4%, yet she suffered from fatigue, cravings, and belly fat. Her doctor said she was fine. Frustrated, she paid fifty dollars for a fasting insulin test at a direct-to-consumer lab. Her insulin was significantly elevated (18 µIU/mL), clearly indicating insulin resistance. Her body was overproducing insulin to keep her blood sugar (and thus A1c) normal. This one test proved that a normal A1c doesn’t rule out IR, and high fasting insulin is often the earliest detectable sign.
Fasting Insulin Test: The Gold Standard My Doctor Almost Didn’t Order (And How I Got It)
Mark suspected insulin resistance despite a normal fasting glucose. His doctor was hesitant to order a fasting insulin test, deeming it unnecessary. Mark politely insisted, explaining his symptoms and family history. Reluctantly, the doctor agreed. The results showed elevated fasting insulin, confirming his suspicions. This “gold standard” test for early IR detection provided the crucial piece of the puzzle, empowering him to make targeted lifestyle changes before his glucose control significantly worsened. He learned that patient advocacy is sometimes key.
“HOMA-IR Score: The $10 Calculation That Revealed My True Insulin Resistance Level”
Lisa had her fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels tested (each costing about five dollars with her insurance copay). Using a free online HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) calculator, she plugged in these two values. The resulting score of 3.5 clearly indicated a significant degree of insulin resistance, much more definitively than looking at glucose alone. This simple ten-dollar (for the tests) calculation provided a quantifiable measure of her IR, motivating her to take action.
The Kraft Test (Oral Glucose Tolerance with Insulin): Is This $300 Test Worth It for IR?
Tom, with a strong family history of diabetes but normal basic labs, considered the extensive Kraft Test (multiple blood draws for glucose and insulin over several hours after a glucose drink), costing around three hundred dollars. While highly sensitive for detecting early IR patterns, it’s also time-consuming and expensive. He decided to start with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. If those were still inconclusive despite symptoms, the Kraft Test would be his next, more definitive step, weighing its diagnostic value against the cost and effort.
“Beyond Blood Sugar: Why High Triglycerides & Low HDL Screamed Insulin Resistance For Me”
Maria’s fasting blood sugar was borderline, but her routine lipid panel showed persistently high triglycerides (over 200 mg/dL) and very low HDL cholesterol (under 40 mg/dL). Her doctor pointed out that this specific pattern, even with near-normal glucose, strongly “screamed” insulin resistance. High insulin levels promote triglyceride production by the liver and lower HDL. Recognizing these lipid markers as key indicators of underlying IR motivated her to address her metabolic health more aggressively.
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): Not Just for Diabetics! My $75 Experiment for IR.
David, suspecting insulin resistance, wanted real-time data. He obtained a prescription for a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for a 14-day trial, costing about seventy-five dollars for the sensor. The CGM revealed significant post-meal glucose spikes and nocturnal dips he was unaware of, even with “normal” fasting glucose. This insight into his daily glucose patterns, previously invisible, provided powerful motivation and clear feedback on how different foods and activities impacted his IR, proving CGMs useful beyond just diabetes management.
“The hs-CRP Test: How This $20 Inflammation Marker Uncovered My Hidden Insulin Resistance”
Sarah had vague symptoms, but her glucose was normal. Her integrative doctor ordered a high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) test, an inflammation marker, costing about twenty dollars. Her hs-CRP was elevated, indicating chronic low-grade inflammation. The doctor explained this inflammation could both contribute to and be a sign of underlying insulin resistance, even before blood sugar changes. This inexpensive test provided another clue, prompting further investigation that confirmed her “hidden” IR.
Why Waiting for a High A1c to Diagnose IR is Like Waiting for a House Fire
Mark learned that A1c reflects average blood sugar over 2-3 months. By the time A1c becomes elevated (prediabetes or diabetes), significant insulin resistance has often been present for years, with the body struggling to compensate. Waiting for a high A1c to diagnose IR is like waiting for visible flames before calling the fire department about smoke. Earlier markers like fasting insulin or HOMA-IR can detect the “smoke” (early IR) much sooner, allowing for intervention before major metabolic damage occurs.
“Optimal vs. ‘Normal’ Lab Ranges: What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About Your IR Risk”
Lisa’s lab results were all within the “normal” reference ranges, yet she felt unwell. She learned about optimal lab ranges from a functional medicine perspective, which are often narrower than standard ranges and aim for ideal health, not just absence of overt disease. Her fasting insulin, while “normal” at 12 µIU/mL, was suboptimal (ideally under 7-8). Understanding this distinction helped her see her IR risk much earlier and motivated her to strive for truly optimal metabolic health.
How I Interpreted My Own Blood Work to Understand My Insulin Resistance Picture
Tom received his blood work but got little explanation from his busy doctor. He took initiative, researching each marker related to insulin resistance: fasting glucose (aiming for low 80s mg/dL), fasting insulin (aiming below 8 µIU/mL), HOMA-IR (aiming below 1.5-2.0), triglycerides (aiming below 100 mg/dL), and HDL (aiming above 50-60 mg/dL). By understanding the optimal ranges and how these interconnected markers painted a picture of his metabolic health, he felt empowered to track his progress and discuss results more effectively.
“The $100 Advanced Lipid Panel That Showed More Than Just Cholesterol (Hello, IR!)”
Maria’s standard cholesterol panel was okay, but she suspected insulin resistance. Her doctor recommended an advanced lipid panel (like NMR LipoProfile or Cardio IQ), costing around one hundred dollars after insurance. This detailed test measured LDL particle size and number, revealing she had many small, dense LDL particles – a pattern strongly associated with insulin resistance, even if total LDL cholesterol was normal. This more nuanced lipid data provided a clearer picture of her IR-related cardiovascular risk.
Is a Standard Fasting Glucose Test Enough to Catch Early Insulin Resistance? (Spoiler: No)
David always had a normal fasting glucose, typically around 90 mg/dL. He thought he was metabolically healthy. However, he later learned that fasting glucose is often one of the last markers to become abnormal in the progression of insulin resistance. The body can maintain normal glucose for a long time by overproducing insulin. Therefore, a standard fasting glucose test alone is insufficient to catch early IR; a fasting insulin test is far more sensitive for early detection. (Spoiler: Definitely not enough!)
“The Ferritin Test: The Surprising Link Between Iron Overload and Insulin Resistance”
Sarah, struggling with unexplained insulin resistance, had a ferritin test (measuring stored iron) as part of a broader workup, costing about thirty dollars. Her ferritin was surprisingly high. She learned that excess iron can accumulate in organs like the liver and pancreas, contributing to oxidative stress and impairing insulin sensitivity and secretion. Addressing her iron overload through phlebotomy (medically supervised blood donation) positively impacted her insulin markers, revealing a less common but important IR contributor.
Why You Need to Ask for a C-Peptide Test Alongside Insulin for a Full IR Picture
Mark’s doctor ordered a fasting insulin test. Mark, having done his research, also requested a C-peptide test. C-peptide is released in equal amounts to insulin by the pancreas. Measuring both can help differentiate between high insulin due to overproduction (typical in early IR) versus high insulin due to impaired clearance. In some cases, it can also give clues about beta-cell function. While not always essential for initial IR diagnosis, C-peptide can provide a more complete picture of insulin dynamics.
“The Uric Acid Connection: Another $15 Blood Test Clue for Insulin Resistance”
Lisa’s routine blood work included a uric acid test, costing about fifteen dollars. Her levels were in the upper end of the normal range. She learned that elevated uric acid is frequently associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. High insulin levels can reduce the kidneys’ ability to excrete uric acid. While not a direct diagnostic test for IR, a higher uric acid level served as another valuable clue in her overall metabolic assessment, prompting further investigation.
How I Prepared for My Insulin Resistance Blood Tests for the Most Accurate Results
Tom wanted the most accurate results for his insulin resistance blood tests (fasting glucose, insulin, lipids). He prepared by: 1. Fasting for a full 12 hours (water only). 2. Avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours beforehand. 3. Trying to get a good night’s sleep. 4. Scheduling the test for the morning. 5. Informing the phlebotomist of any medications or supplements he was taking. These steps helped minimize variables that could skew the results.
“Saliva Cortisol Testing: Did It Help Uncover Stress-Induced Insulin Resistance?”
Maria suspected chronic stress was significantly contributing to her insulin resistance. She opted for a 4-point saliva cortisol test (costing around $120) to map her cortisol rhythm throughout the day. The results showed dysregulated cortisol – high in the evening and low in the morning. This objective data confirmed her stress response was out of whack, likely exacerbating her IR. It helped her target stress-management interventions more effectively, knowing her cortisol pattern.
The Role of Genetic Testing (e.g., MTHFR) in Understanding IR Predisposition
David, with a strong family history of insulin resistance, considered genetic testing, looking at markers like MTHFR variations, which can affect methylation and potentially influence metabolic health. While genetic tests (costing from
100−100-100−
300) don’t diagnose IR, they can sometimes offer insights into individual predispositions or nutrient needs (like specific B vitamins) that might play a supportive role in an overall IR management strategy. He viewed it as one small piece of a much larger puzzle, not a definitive answer.
“Could My Vitamin D Level ($40 Test) Be Impacting My Insulin Resistance Diagnosis?”
Sarah learned about the link between low Vitamin D and increased risk of insulin resistance. She had her Vitamin D (25-hydroxy) level tested, costing about forty dollars. Her levels were insufficient. Since Vitamin D plays a role in insulin secretion and sensitivity, addressing this deficiency through supplementation became an important part of her overall strategy to improve her IR. While not a direct diagnostic test for IR, her low D status was a relevant contributing factor.
The Cost of NOT Getting Thorough IR Testing: Delayed Diagnosis & Worsening Health
Mark relied on basic annual check-ups for years, which only included fasting glucose. The cost of not getting more thorough IR testing (like fasting insulin) was a delayed diagnosis. By the time his glucose finally rose, his insulin resistance was well-established and harder to reverse. This delay meant years of suboptimal health, progressive metabolic damage, and potentially higher long-term healthcare expenses. He learned that proactive, comprehensive testing is an investment, not an expense.
“My IR Testing Checklist: What to Ask Your Doctor For (Printable Guide)”
Lisa, tired of feeling dismissed, created an “IR Testing Checklist” to take to her doctor. It included: Fasting Glucose, Fasting Insulin (to calculate HOMA-IR), HbA1c, Comprehensive Lipid Panel (including Triglycerides & HDL), hs-CRP, and Vitamin D. For women, she added relevant sex hormones if PCOS was suspected. Having this clear, organized list helped her articulate her needs and ensured a more thorough initial investigation into her potential insulin resistance.
How I Tracked My Lab Markers Over Time to See My Insulin Resistance Improve
Tom was diagnosed with insulin resistance. He and his doctor decided on key markers to track: fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, A1c, triglycerides, and HDL. He kept a spreadsheet of his results from each blood draw (every 3-6 months initially). Seeing these numbers objectively improve over time – his insulin dropping, HOMA-IR decreasing, lipids normalizing – provided powerful motivation and tangible proof that his lifestyle changes were successfully reversing his IR.
“The ‘Post-Meal’ Blood Sugar Test at Home: A DIY Clue for Insulin Resistance”
Maria couldn’t get her doctor to order extensive IR tests initially. She bought an inexpensive blood glucose meter (around twenty dollars) and started testing her blood sugar 1 and 2 hours after her typical meals. She consistently saw her sugar spike well above 140 mg/dL at one hour and not return to baseline quickly. This DIY “post-meal challenge” provided strong evidence of impaired glucose tolerance, a hallmark of insulin resistance, which she then shared with her doctor.
Understanding LP-IR Score: A Specialized Test for Insulin-Resistant Lipoproteins
David’s doctor, concerned about his cardiovascular risk despite “okay” standard lipids, ordered an NMR LipoProfile which included an LP-IR (Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance) score. This specialized test analyzes specific lipoprotein particle characteristics that are highly correlated with insulin resistance. A higher LP-IR score indicates a greater degree of IR, even if glucose and insulin are borderline. For David, this score provided a more direct measure of his IR status from a lipoprotein perspective.
“Functional Medicine Labs vs. Conventional Labs for Insulin Resistance: My Experience”
Sarah initially had IR testing done through her conventional doctor, which covered basics like glucose, A1c, and lipids. Later, she consulted a functional medicine practitioner who ordered more comprehensive panels, including fasting insulin, hs-CRP, a full thyroid panel, hormone metabolites (DUTCH), and sometimes advanced nutrient testing. While more expensive (often out-of-pocket), these functional labs provided a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the root causes and contributing factors to her insulin resistance, guiding a more personalized treatment.
How Often Should You Retest for Insulin Resistance Markers Once Diagnosed?
Mark was diagnosed with insulin resistance and started making lifestyle changes. He asked his doctor how often he should retest. Initially, his doctor suggested rechecking key markers like fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and lipids every 3 months to monitor progress and adjust the plan. Once his levels stabilized in a healthier range, retesting was extended to every 6-12 months for ongoing management and to ensure he remained on track. The frequency depended on his individual progress and severity.
“The Adiponectin Test: A Lesser-Known Marker for Insulin Sensitivity”
Lisa’s integrative doctor mentioned adiponectin, a hormone secreted by fat cells that enhances insulin sensitivity. Low levels of adiponectin are associated with insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. While not a routine test, an adiponectin level (costing around
70−70-70−
100 through specialty labs) can sometimes provide additional insight into an individual’s metabolic health. Lisa found her level was low, further motivating her efforts to improve her insulin sensitivity, which can help increase adiponectin.
Can Urine Tests (Ketones, Microalbumin) Give Clues About Insulin Resistance?
Tom wondered if urine tests could help assess his insulin resistance. While urine ketones can indicate if his body is burning fat (relevant for low-carb diets often used for IR), they don’t directly diagnose IR. A urine microalbumin test, however, can be an early indicator of kidney damage, which can be a complication of long-standing, poorly controlled IR or diabetes. So, while not primary diagnostic tools for IR itself, certain urine tests can provide adjunctive information or monitor for complications.
“From Confused by Labs to Confident in My IR Diagnosis: My Learning Curve”
Maria initially felt completely confused by all the different lab tests and numbers related to insulin resistance. She committed to learning: reading articles, watching educational videos, and asking her doctor clarifying questions. She started to understand what each marker meant (fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, HDL) and how they interconnected. This learning curve transformed her from a confused patient to a confident one, able to understand her diagnosis and actively participate in her treatment plan.
How I Knew My Doctor Was Taking My Insulin Resistance Seriously Based on Testing
David felt his doctor was truly taking his insulin resistance seriously when, beyond just looking at his A1c, she proactively ordered a fasting insulin level, calculated his HOMA-IR score, and discussed his lipid panel in the context of metabolic syndrome. She also scheduled follow-up testing to monitor these specific markers of insulin sensitivity, not just glucose. This comprehensive testing approach and willingness to track IR-specific parameters showed him she understood the nuances of the condition.
“The Best Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Insulin Resistance Lab Results”
Sarah prepared for her follow-up appointment to discuss her IR lab results. Her best questions included: “What do these specific numbers (e.g., fasting insulin, HOMA-IR) mean for my current level of insulin resistance?” “What are the optimal ranges for these markers, not just the standard ‘normal’ ranges?” “Which of these markers should we prioritize improving?” “How often should we retest to monitor progress?” “Are there any other tests you recommend based on these results?” These questions facilitated a productive conversation.
Can Waist-to-Hip Ratio Be a Better IR Predictor Than Some Blood Tests?
Mark learned that while blood tests are crucial, a simple waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) can be a surprisingly strong predictor of insulin resistance. A higher WHR indicates more central (abdominal) obesity, which is tightly linked to IR. For men, a WHR above 0.90, and for women above 0.85, suggests increased risk. He started tracking his WHR (a free measurement!) alongside his blood markers, finding it a useful, tangible indicator of his progress in reducing metabolically harmful belly fat.
“The ‘NMR LipoProfile’: Did This $150 Test Give Me Deeper IR Insights?”
Lisa’s doctor suggested an NMR LipoProfile (costing around one hundred fifty dollars) because her standard cholesterol was borderline despite IR symptoms. This advanced test provided a detailed breakdown of lipoprotein particle sizes and numbers, including LDL particle number (LDL-P) and identifying small, dense LDL particles, which are strongly associated with insulin resistance and increased cardiovascular risk. The NMR gave her deeper insights into how IR was affecting her cardiovascular health beyond what a standard lipid panel showed.
What to Do If Your Doctor Refuses to Order Specific IR Tests
Tom’s doctor initially refused to order a fasting insulin test, deeming his fasting glucose “good enough.” Tom had a few options: 1. Politely but firmly reiterate his concerns and the reasons he felt the test was necessary, perhaps sharing some research. 2. Seek a second opinion from another doctor or an endocrinologist. 3. Utilize direct-to-consumer lab services that allow individuals to order specific tests (like fasting insulin) themselves for a fee (often around
50−50-50−
70). He ultimately chose the latter to get the information he needed.
“The Impact of My Menstrual Cycle on Insulin Resistance Lab Test Accuracy”
Maria learned that her menstrual cycle could influence some lab markers related to insulin resistance. For instance, insulin sensitivity can naturally fluctuate throughout the cycle, often being slightly lower (more resistant) in the luteal phase (the week or so before her period). When scheduling her IR blood tests, she tried to have them done consistently in the early follicular phase (days 3-5 of her cycle) to get more comparable and accurate baseline readings, minimizing hormonal interference.
What My Insurance Covered (and Didn’t Cover) for Insulin Resistance Testing
David navigated the complexities of insurance coverage for his insulin resistance testing. He found his insurance readily covered basic tests like fasting glucose, A1c, and a standard lipid panel. However, a fasting insulin test was sometimes questioned or required a specific diagnostic code. More advanced tests like an NMR LipoProfile or DUTCH hormone test were often not covered and became out-of-pocket expenses. He learned to check coverage with his insurer beforehand or explore cash prices at labs.
“Addressing ‘White Coat Syndrome’ for Accurate IR Blood Pressure Readings”
Sarah often experienced “white coat syndrome” – her blood pressure would be significantly higher in the doctor’s office than at home, which could be misconstrued as part of metabolic syndrome related to her insulin resistance. To get accurate readings, her doctor suggested she take her blood pressure at home for a week leading up to her appointment and bring in the log. This helped differentiate true hypertension from anxiety-induced spikes, ensuring a more accurate assessment.
The Science Behind Why These Specific Tests Reveal Insulin Resistance
Mark wanted to understand the “why” behind IR tests. He learned fasting insulin directly measures how much insulin the pancreas is producing (high levels indicate cells aren’t responding well). HOMA-IR mathematically models this relationship with glucose. Lipid changes (high triglycerides, low HDL) reflect insulin’s impact on fat metabolism. hs-CRP shows inflammation, often linked to IR. Understanding the physiological basis of each test helped him appreciate their diagnostic value beyond just numbers.
“My $0 At-Home Assessment for Insulin Resistance (Before I Got Tested)”
Lisa suspected insulin resistance before any formal testing. Her zero-dollar at-home assessment involved: 1. Measuring her waist circumference (aiming for less than half her height). 2. Noting symptoms like fatigue after meals, carb cravings, and skin tags. 3. Assessing her energy levels and mental clarity. 4. Considering her family history. While not diagnostic, this self-assessment gave her strong indications and motivated her to seek professional testing, which confirmed her suspicions.
When to Seek a Second Opinion for Your Insulin Resistance Diagnosis
Tom’s doctor dismissed his IR symptoms because his A1c was normal. He decided to seek a second opinion when: 1. His symptoms persisted despite his doctor’s reassurance. 2. His doctor was unwilling to order further relevant tests (like fasting insulin). 3. He felt his concerns weren’t being heard or validated. A second opinion from an endocrinologist or a functional medicine doctor specializing in metabolic health ultimately provided him with the diagnosis and support he needed.
“The ‘Fructosamine Test’: An Alternative to A1c for IR Monitoring?”
Maria learned about the fructosamine test, which reflects average blood glucose over a shorter period (2-3 weeks) compared to A1c (2-3 months). While A1c is standard, fructosamine (costing around
40−40-40−
60) can be useful for monitoring more rapid changes in glucose control, such as when making significant diet or medication adjustments for insulin resistance, or in situations where A1c might be less reliable (e.g., certain anemias). It offered her a quicker snapshot of her progress.
How Consistent Lifestyle Changes Showed Up in My Follow-Up IR Lab Tests
David diligently implemented diet, exercise, and stress management for his insulin resistance. His follow-up lab tests six months later showed remarkable changes: his fasting insulin dropped from 22 to 9 µIU/mL, his HOMA-IR went from 4.8 to 1.9, his triglycerides decreased by 100 points, and his HDL increased by 10 points. These objective improvements in his blood markers were tangible proof that his consistent lifestyle efforts were successfully reversing his IR at a physiological level.
“The Surprising ‘Normal’ Lab Values That Still Indicated My Insulin Resistance Risk”
Sarah’s fasting glucose was 95 mg/dL and her triglycerides were 140 mg/dL – both technically within “normal” lab reference ranges. However, from an optimal health perspective, these values were on the higher side of normal, and when combined with her symptoms and slightly elevated fasting insulin (though also “normal”), they painted a picture of increasing insulin resistance risk. She learned that “not diseased yet” isn’t the same as “optimally healthy.”
The Link Between Liver Enzyme Tests (ALT, AST) and Insulin Resistance
Mark’s routine blood work showed slightly elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST). His doctor explained this could be an early sign of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is very strongly associated with insulin resistance. High insulin levels promote fat accumulation in the liver. These enzyme tests, while not directly diagnosing IR, served as an important indirect clue, prompting further investigation into his metabolic health and confirming his IR.
“My Family History: The Biggest (Untested) Clue for My Insulin Resistance”
Lisa had several close family members with type 2 diabetes. This strong family history was her biggest, albeit untested, clue that she was at high risk for insulin resistance herself, even before she developed noticeable symptoms or had specific IR tests done. Understanding this genetic predisposition motivated her to be proactive about healthy lifestyle choices and to seek early screening for IR, knowing she was likely more susceptible.
The Long-Term Value of Establishing a Baseline for Your IR Markers
Tom, upon suspecting insulin resistance, made sure to get comprehensive baseline testing (fasting glucose, insulin, lipids, hs-CRP) before making major lifestyle changes. This provided a clear starting point. The long-term value was immense: he could objectively track his progress, see which interventions were most effective, and have concrete data to discuss with his doctor. Establishing this initial baseline was crucial for measuring the success of his IR management journey.
“Creating My Own ‘Insulin Resistance Dashboard’ with Key Lab Values”
Maria felt empowered by creating her own “Insulin Resistance Dashboard” – a simple spreadsheet where she logged her key lab values (fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, A1c, triglycerides, HDL, hs-CRP) over time. She included dates, optimal ranges, and her results. This visual tool helped her see trends, celebrate improvements, and stay motivated. It transformed abstract lab reports into a personalized, actionable overview of her metabolic health journey.
How I Used Online Calculators (HOMA-IR, QUICKI) with My Lab Results
David had his fasting glucose and fasting insulin results. He used free online calculators to determine his HOMA-IR score and QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index). These calculations provided more meaningful assessments of his insulin sensitivity than looking at glucose or insulin alone. For example, a HOMA-IR above 2.0 strongly suggested IR. These simple tools, requiring only his basic lab values, gave him a clearer, quantifiable picture of his metabolic status.
“The Day My ‘Slightly Elevated’ Glucose Became a Full IR Diagnosis (Thanks to Better Testing)”
Sarah’s fasting glucose had been “slightly elevated” (e.g., 105 mg/dL) for a couple of years, but her doctor just said to “watch it.” It was the day she advocated for a fasting insulin test that things changed. Her insulin was very high. Calculating her HOMA-IR confirmed significant insulin resistance. That “slightly elevated” glucose was the tip of the iceberg; the more comprehensive testing revealed the full extent of her metabolic dysfunction, leading to a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
The One Test Result That Finally Convinced Me to Take My Insulin Resistance Seriously
Mark had been somewhat dismissive of his vague IR symptoms. While his fasting glucose was borderline, it was his fasting insulin result – coming back at a stark 25 µIU/mL (optimal is under 8) – that was the wake-up call. Seeing that incredibly high number, reflecting how hard his pancreas was overworking, finally convinced him that his insulin resistance was a serious issue needing immediate and dedicated attention. That one test result shifted his entire perspective.