how can you tell if you're insulin resistant

Insulin resistance often develops without obvious symptoms, but there are several signs and tests that can indicate its presence:

• Common Symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Increased hunger
  • Difficulty losing weight
  • High blood sugar levels
  • Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)

• Diagnostic Tests:

  • Fasting Insulin Test: Measures insulin levels in your blood after fasting.
  • HbA1c Test: Provides an average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after consuming a glucose-rich drink.
  • Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR): A calculation based on fasting glucose and insulin levels.

If you suspect insulin resistance, consult a healthcare provider for proper testing and diagnosis.