What Are The Signs Of Insulin Resistance?

Posted on Fri, 23 Jan 2015

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

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 Answered on

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Is this a sign if insulin resistance? My dr attributes it to emotional stress during blood draw

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (-18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Stress could raise the sugar and insulin levels

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Welcome back.

Stess can increase your blood sugars. This will indirectly increase insulin secretion. But this effect is seen only if you are stressed for a longer time for sugars to go up and stimulate insulin secretion.

This is not a sign of insulin resistance

Regards

Dr Ajish TP

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (46 minutes later)

Is this insulin resistance level?

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Insulin levels not significantly high

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

Insulin resistance is assessed by many markers. The fasting insulin levels above 25 miu/ml is considered as high for fasting values. The standardised value of insulin resistance is made by a parameter called HOMA IR. This is used only in research setting. This value is based on fasting insulin and fasting blood glucose values.

In general in practice we assess insulin resistance by:

1. Obesity
2. Increased pigmentation in neck (acanthosis nigricans)
3. High fasting sugar
4. Low after food sugar
5. High HbA1C

All parameters may not be there in patients in insulin resistance. I think if you are still confused it is better to repeat fasting sugar and fasting insulin after 8 hours of fasting.

Regards

Dr Ajish TP

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (15 minutes later)

Is this lab indicative of insulin resistance?

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Insulin is high for the lab normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

For this lab report, the insulin levels are high - a marker of insulin resistance.

But the usual lab normal for fasting insulin in standardised labs is 5-25 miu/ml. For that your insulin levels are normal.

So I think instead of getting worried, you should repeat the value in a standardised laboratory. By that we can make sure whether this insulin elevation is a result of stress.

Regards

Dr Ajish TP

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (19 minutes later)

The dr who ran test said not insulin resistant but I get tired immediately after eating

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please do a glucose tolerance test

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

Welcome back,

The test that we do to evaluate tiredness after food is some thing like glucose tolerance test. Here We take a full meal and do blood sugars every hour for next 5 hours. So if the tiredness is due to any glucose fluctuations- low or high, we can make out that and treat it.

If all the sugars are in normal range, then your tiredness has nothing to do with glucose or insulin resistance. Then the cause should be due to increased pooling of blood to your stomach causing tiredness as I explained in a previous question.

Do this test and it will clear your doubts.

Wishing you good health

Regards
Dr Ajish TP

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (17 hours later)

Could I be carb sensitive? My mom is

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If your blood sugars are normal you are not

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

In carbohydrate sensitivity you blood sugars rises inappropriately with carb intake. Your after food blood sugars are less than 100 mg/dl. So you are not carb sensitive

Regards
Dr Ajish TP

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D