It starts out as a gradual problem, and becomes more severe as time goes on.Diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of heart disease are some of the chronic health problems that can be caused byinsulin resistance.By performing blood sugar tests, lipid tests and evaluating for clinical signs and symptoms that may correlate to insulin resistance, you can indirectly test for it.
Step 1: Have your blood sugar levels measured.
It is very challenging for physicians to test forinsulin resistance directly; therefore, the most common way in which it is tested for is indirectly, by assessing other quantities that may be indicative of a state of insulin resistance.If your blood sugar level is high, that's a sign that you may be resistant to the drug.You will need a form from your family doctor to get a fast blood test.A regular blood test requires that you not eat or drink for at least eight hours prior to the test, but a Fasting Blood Test does not.It is easiest to fast for most people.To have a blood test first thing in the morning and to refrain from eating and drinking overnight.A normal measurement is less than 100mg/dL.You have "pre-diabetes" if your fastingglucose is between 100 and 125 g/dL.It is important to understand that the diagnosis of diabetes is a more severe form ofinsulin resistance, if it is above 126 mg/dL on two separate tests.
Step 2: You can receive an oral test.
Your doctor may tell you to get an oral glucose tolerance test if you don't have a blood test.You have to fast for eight hours prior to the test.The test can take between one and three hours.This test is used to screen pregnant women for diabetes.The start of the test is when yourglucose level is measured.After you consume a beverage high in sugar, your blood sugar levels will be monitored for a period of time to observe how your body manages the load in your bloodstream.Your results will be normal if your body is able to effectively utilize the hormone that transports sugar from the bloodstream to the cells where it's needed.If your body has developed resistance to the drug, you won't be able to quickly and effectively transport the sugar from your bloodstream into your cells, and this will show up as an elevated level in your test results.It's a good idea to take your oral glucose tolerance test to see if you have pre-diabetes or some degree ofinsulin resistance.It is a more severe form of diabetes if your oral glucose tolerance test shows a result over 200.
Step 3: To have your HbA1c measured, you need a simple blood test.
One of the newer tests that can be used to evaluate the amount of sugar in your bloodstream is called HbA1c.A three-month snapshot of how your sugar levels have been is what it gives doctors.It shows the average amount of sugar in your bloodstream over the past three months.Doctors usually use the A1c blood test, but not both.It is a useful test because it is the only one that gives a long-term profile of your body's ability to process sugar, which shows how well you can use it.If you have diabetes, your HbA1c value will go up due to your impaired ability to manage the load in your bloodstream.A normal HbA1c is less than 5.6%.Pre-diabetes is defined as a HbA1c value between 5.7 and 6.4%.It is a later stage and more severe form of diabetes if the HbA1c value is above 6.5%.
Step 4: Have your cholesterol measured.
"bad cholesterol" is not the type of cholesterol you want to have.You can get a request for a blood test from your family doctor.The test requires that you do not eat or drink for 12 hours prior to the test.An elevated LDL cholesterol reading is associated with a higher risk of having diabetes.It's an indirect way of assessing your likelihood of having diabetes.
Step 5: Get your levels tested.
Diabetes is a risk factor associated with elevated triglyceride levels.The normal and borderline levels of triglyceride are below 150 and 200, respectively.If you have high Triglycerides, you are likely to have Diabetes.All of the cholesterol tests will be part of a "lipid panel."It is simple to do as you will only need to take one blood test to have each of your cholesterol values assessed, which will provide valuable information as to the probability of you having diabetes.
Step 6: Evaluate your cholesterol levels.
A good cholesterol is one you want to have high levels of because it performs beneficial functions in the body.If you have lower than normalHDL cholesterol levels on your blood tests, that's a sign that you're likely to have insulin resistance.Normal HDL cholesterol falls between 50 and 59 for men and between 40 to 50 for women.If your cholesterol is below 50 for men and 40 for women, you have a high risk of having diabetes.
Step 7: Discuss your test results with your doctor to make a conclusion about your condition.
It is the results of your laboratory test that determine your likelihood of having resistance to the drug.It is the combination of various test results that leads to the ultimate diagnosis of diabetes.If you have elevated bloodglucose levels, elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and reduced HDL cholesterol, you are more likely to haveinsulin resistance.You should book an appointment with your doctor to review your test results.Your doctor is the one who has the training and experience to make a diagnosis.Your doctor and you can come up with a treatment plan if necessary.
Step 8: There are signs and symptoms of insulin resistance.
There are also signs and symptoms that may be indicative of diabetes.These include: Obesity Increased waist circumference Increased thirst Increased urination Fatigue Blurry vision or other vision problems.
Step 9: You should get screened for diabetes.
Who should be tested for diabetes resistance?You should speak to your doctor about getting tested if you have any of the above symptoms.If you are over 45, you can be eligible for routine screening of your blood sugars.You can get repeat screening tests every three years if your results are normal.If you have any of the risk factors listed above, you are eligible for screening tests.If you are overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, history of heart disease, and if you have a close relative who has been diagnosed with diabetes.
Step 10: It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about the risks of having diabetes.
People may want to know why we worry aboutinsulin resistance.Diabetes is one of many health issues that go hand-in-hand.The risk factors for each of these health conditions are very similar and often overlap, so if you have one, you are more likely to have them.It is a good idea to talk to your doctor about health conditions that increase your risk of having them.