What tests are done to check for IR?

Mamas · 08-07-2005, 05:12 AM

I'm 5'2, 130 lbs. & have never had a weight problem. I recently had a 12 hr. fasting glucose test & it came back within normal range at 80. Are there other tests to take to check for IR or should I not be concerned because of the fasting glucose test results?

omcv · 08-07-2005, 07:02 AM

That is the only test that my dr did for IR, mine was 99 (100 is boardline).

08-07-2005, 08:29 AM

if you really want to be sure you should ask about a glucose tollerance test. you take a doose of glucose and they take your blood periodicly

ppfleiger · 09-12-2005, 02:53 PM

I'm with you. 5'4" and 130, perpetually skinny and I just had a blood test come up fine too.

Has anyone else known IR to come and go? I don't get it.

Last year my blood test was fine (but 'borderline') for regular fasting test but glucose tolerance showed IR. Doctor said I should go on a low-sugar no bad-carb diet to help. Which it did. This year, neither showed IR. The regular glucose was 79 (which the doctor said was very good), I forget what the GTT showed. So I got a clean bill of health... and a ton of questions! Because even though the insulin resistance has straitened out - the hormones sure haven't. In fact, they're worse. In fact, I swear I miss more periods when I'm thiner than when I'm a more normal weight.

Anyone truly not showing IR symptoms but still having PCOS issues?

nicole123 · 09-12-2005, 08:07 PM

Sounds like me. I'm 5'5'', 130 lbs, and my fasting glucose is normal.

I didn't have my fasting insulin measured, or a GTT (damn HMO) but as far as I know, I'm not IR.

However, it's certainly possible to have PCOS without having obvious IR issues. And yes, your hormones can still be messed up even if the insulin looks ok.

I don't know if you are TTC, but if you are, you might want to think about taking Metformin. Many many studies have shown that Metformin improves conception rates and decreases miscarriage rates (presumably by normalizing the hormones) even for thin and/or non-IR cysters. What these studies conclude is that most women with PCOS have issues with insulin. For thin cysters, the insulin problems can be a bit more subtle, but they are still there, even if glucose/insulin levels appear to be in normal range.

bluehail · 09-14-2005, 10:22 PM

My gyno told me today that glucose can be in normal range with IR you must check ****insulin levels****

The IR diet alone regulated everything, it is more successful with thin cysters. I wouldn't go on meds if you haven't tried the diet first and use natural (USP) progesterone cream