What Are The Early Signs And Symptoms Of Insulin Resistance?

Posted on Sun, 25 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 25 Oct 2015 Answered on

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Is this insulin resistance. This was fasting. Also A1C is 4.2

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Insulin reistance.

Detailed Answer:
Good day,

Noted the attachment. Is it a fasting insulin report or is it after meals? If it is a fasting sample, it indicates high levels which suggests insulin resistance. Weight loss and exercise is the main treatment. If your Hba1c cross 5.7% or if fasting blood glucose cross 100, it may be prudent to start Metformin.

What about your periods? Height and weight? Any family h/o diabetes?
Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

Yes history w diabetes in family. My glucose is normal. I am 25lbs overweight and thats why my dr tested for insulin bc no reasom for weight gain. I have begun 500mg of metformin and exercise and diet. Periods were off but getting better.

The metformin has given me my energy back. My dr says can stay at 500mg bc blood sugar is optimal

Also dr was unsure if insulin resistant.

This was fasting

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Great choice.

Detailed Answer:
Okay.
Losing weight is very important which will also help to reduce insulin resistance.
Metformin is a superb choice. In my clinical practice, I start with 500 mg and slowly increase to 1000 to 1500 mg a day. At this dose the insulin resistance is dealt in a much better way.
Continue exercise along with it.
Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (13 minutes later)

Thanks. The problem for me was I could not tolerate it at 1000mg- I was always dizzy. But 500mg I felt much better. My dr said we can stay at 500mg and w diet and exercise re test in a few months. Can 500mg help at all? I do feel better than I did on nothing

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It helps

Detailed Answer:
Of course, it helps. But after few weeks, try to go up the dose to 750 mg.
If that helps, stay on that dose.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (18 hours later)

Can i cut a 500mg in half or need different rx?

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You may do it if it is not sustained release tablet.

Detailed Answer:
750 mg Is available in many countries as Glucophage XR 750 mg.If that is not available then you can break the 500 mg to half. If your tablet is a sustained release preperation, please do not break it.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar