Adopting Easier Methods To Screen Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a major medical problem often leading to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Being overweight greatly increases the odds someone will be insulin resistant, but not all overweight or obese people are afflicted. The insulin suppression test used to identify insulin resistance, however, it is too difficult to administer to large numbers of people.

Researchers have come up with a simple way to identify overweight or obese people who are likely to be insulin resistant. Researchers looked at three simple tests to see if they could help identify people who were insulin resistant. The study involved about 250 overweight volunteers who had normal blood pressures and were not diabetic. Results showed tests measuring triglyceride levels, the triglyceride-HDL cholesterol ratio, and insulin concentration can be helpful in identifying overweight and obese people most at risk for insulin resistance.

While the tests are not perfect, the researchers believe they should be used by doctors to help determine which individuals would benefit the most from making lifestyle changes that could reduce their risks.

However researchers conclude , noting these tests won’t help doctors make a firm diagnosis of insulin resistance, but they are likely to be useful in selecting patients for intense weight reduction efforts.