IR and Met

bethanykf · 07-07-2008, 02:08 AM

I am not on metformin, but I think I may have insulin resistance. How do I approach that topic with my doctor? Do I just ask about insulin resistance or are the blood tests that I can ask for?

It is so uncomfortable. I know that I have a part in my treatment, but I also feel like it might be annoying to go in and say I read about this on the internet... test me. lol.

I'm probably just too neurotic, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

tina_d · 07-07-2008, 08:32 AM

I didn't have to ask for any tests. The new dr I went to suspected PCOS as soon as she seen me and offered me the Met before any test results came back. The only blood tests I had were a fasting glucose, CBC, and complete chemistry panel that included liver and kidney functions. She may have tested hormone levels, but I never seen the results.

If you have any history of diabetes in your family, then you should be tested for this yearly, with or without PCOS.

The best approach is talking to your dr about your concerns and requesting blood work be done. My gp allows me to call in and schedule the tests with his office when I feel that I need them. If he has any problems with me scheduling, he calls back to see why I want them, and whether or not I should schedule an appointment with him right away.

bethanykf · 07-08-2008, 12:04 AM

Thanks for the reply Tina. I'm going to call and set up an appointment with my doctor tomorrow. I don't know for sure that I am insulin resistant, but I have the symptoms and I suppose it is better to treat it sooner rather than later.

bethanykf · 07-08-2008, 09:33 PM

I asked for the test today and I get to have it. Unfortunately I have to wait a couple days before it gets done because the nurse didn't know if I need to fast beforehand or not (I'm pretty sure you do - she didn't even bring it up!).
So she is going to check on it and call me tomorrow. I have to work the early shift on Thursday so I'll have to wait until Friday... Does anyone know how long it takes to get the results back?

tina_d · 07-09-2008, 07:17 PM

It only takes a couple of days, and I'm not sure of the fasting either because it has always been taken with my fasting glucose test.

My gp doesn't do a follow-up appointment after these tests unless necessary. He just mails me a copy with the normal lab values to compare it to with his recommendations.

bethanykf · 07-09-2008, 09:49 PM

Thanks for your reply Tina. Do you know if the IR test is just a blood draw? I guess I just don't really know what to expect when I go in. I'm not sure if it is just a blood draw or if it is the fasting glucose test too or what. The nurse called me back today. I do need to fast so in 1.5 hours I'm done eating until tomorrow. It shouldn't be too bad. (I Hope

)
She said that it would take about a week to get the results - I hate waiting! I'm glad that I was able to switch shifts so I can get it done tomorrow.She said she would call with the results. I really thought I'd have to go in because I haven't been in since January, but I guess not - at least it will save me some money.

tina_d · 07-10-2008, 12:23 AM

You shouldn't be in the dr's office more then 10 minutes. All that needs to be done is blood drawn. Depending on all that is order, they may take a couple of different tubes.