Many people don’t realize insulin resistance may be the reason they struggle to lose weight. As a precursor to type 2 diabetes, the condition causes the body to store excess blood sugar into fat cells. This often shows as extra belly fat that’s hard to shed.
At Amy Brenner, MD & Associates, we take a unique approach to catch insulin resistance. This allows us to create insulin resistance weight loss plans and other treatments.
So how is insulin resistance diagnosed at our Cincinnati clinic? Keep reading and we’ll explain everything you need to know!
Traditional insulin resistance testing
In many cases, a physician will perform a hemoglobin A1C test, which is used to diagnose both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While the test is extremely effective to catch diabetes, it often misses someone with insulin resistance who could get diabetes later down the road. Obviously, this causes an issue.
Here’s why:
People who are insulin resistant may still have normal blood sugar levels. For some, rather than causing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), insulin resistance may initially lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This may seem exactly opposite to what you’d expect, but let us explain.
Remember that blood sugar enters your cells so your body can use it as energy. Large amounts of sugar could have already entered your cells, leaving your bloodstream either at normal levels or even low levels.
How insulin resistance is diagnosed at Amy Brenner, MD & Associates
Amy Brenner, MD & Associates implements a more accurate test. Our bagel glucose tolerance test recreates what actually happens when you eat food. Yes, you will actually eat a bagel, and we have a gluten-free option.
The bagel test approach:
For our unique glucose tolerance test, we first give each patient a very specific carb load. Two hours before eating, we will take blood work to measure fasting insulin and blood sugar levels. Following this, you will eat a plain bagel (no butter) and jelly (we also provide gluten-free options) then return to the lab two hours later.
Then, two hours after eating, we will do blood work again and test those same levels. This allows us to pick up on elevated insulin, which gives us insight into whether or not a patient is insulin resistant.
How do I prepare for a glucose tolerance test?
To prepare for a glucose tolerance test, you need to avoid food and beverages for at least eight hours prior to the test. You may continue to drink water during this time.
How is insulin resistance diagnosed: Learn more at Amy Brenner, MD & Associates
Let our health experts help you discover whether you are insulin resistant and create a custom treatment plan. As a medspa and medical practice, we have the unique ability to not only boost your overall health, but also help you enhance your outer beauty with aesthetic treatments.
We’re here to offer a warm, friendly environment while providing the highest quality aesthetic treatments and wellness plans to help you look great and feel great. No matter what, we will stick with you throughout your entire journey, because your goals are our goals.
Get started today by using our virtual consultation tool or scheduling an appointment.