03 Jul How can I tell if I have Insulin Resistance?
There is no simple test to diagnose insulin resistance. Your doctor may suspect you are insulin resistant if you have three of the following:
- A waist size of 101 cm or more in men and 89 cm or more in women
- Increased levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)
- Low HDL cholesterol levels (Less than 1.2 mmols/l for men and 1.7 mmols/l for women)
- High blood pressure of 149/95 or higher, or being treated for high blood pressure
- Fasting blood glucose levels of 5.5 mmols/l or above, or being treated for diabetes
- A fasting glucose to insulin ratio of 0.5 or below
- Weight gain usually distributed around the abdomen
- Difficulty losing weight
- Tiredness (especially in the afternoon or after a meal containing carbohydrates)
- Weakness
- Bloating
- Irritability and mood swings
- Constant hunger
- Difficulty concentrating
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Depression
- Skin tags
- Sugar and stimulant cravings such as chocolate, sweets, coffee and cigarettes
Please note: Not all these are signs of being insulin resistant, but those such as hypertension are often associated with this condition, and may either precede or arise out of insulin resistance.