3 ways to test for insulin resistance (at-home and with your doctor)

If you're concerned about insulin resistance, identifying it early is crucial for managing potential impacts on your health. The video discusses three vital tests to determine whether you have insulin resistance.

The first test to consider is the HOM-IR test, which involves working with your doctor. This test measures your fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels.

By multiplying your fasting glucose with your insulin, it reveals how much insulin is required to maintain your glucose levels. An indication of insulin resistance can occur long before fasting glucose levels show abnormalities.

This is important because insulin resistance starts years before fasting glucose starts to rise.

Interestingly, a fasting glucose level might appear normal, but excessive insulin consumption signals underlying resistance. If discovered early, you can address your insulin sensitivity before significant glucose rise occurs.

  • Ideal HOM-IR Score: Below one
  • Indicative of Insulin Resistance: Above 1.9
You can easily perform the second test at home—the waist-to-height ratio. All you need is to measure your waist and height using the same units.

After taking these measurements, divide your waist measurement by your height to get the waist-to-height ratio. A healthy ratio often correlates with good metabolic measures and insulin sensitivity.

It's critical to catch insulin resistance early as it often develops long before a rise in fasting glucose levels, potentially preventing more significant health problems later.

Awareness and regular monitoring of your insulin and glucose levels can significantly impact your overall health trajectory. Take these steps toward understanding your metabolic health for broader wellbeing effects.

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