Insulin Resistance

[Barb135]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in June of this year.  Just this past week, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's.  For about a year prior to the original diagnosis of hypothyroidism, I had begun to steadily gaining weight and nothing I do will get rid of it.  I eat approx 1000-1200, during my work day, I walk between 3-5 miles/day, plus most days I work out for at least 30 min.  My latest thryroid tests were: TSH - 0.16 (range 0.5-5.0); Free T-4 - 1.6 (range 0.8 - 1.8).  My PCP has never ordered a Free T-3 test.

I've been checking my insulin levels for about 2-3 months now and the results range anywhere from the low 60's to 190+, with fasting generally between 90 and 130.  My PCP's nurse practitioner sent me for a 3 hr GTT which came back normal and my PCP says that glucometers purchased in the drug store are too inaccurate and there is no way that I could be insulin resistant.  That's great with me because there's a lot of diabetes in my family so it's nice to know that I don't have it; however, I'm wondering if it's possible to be insulin resistant in spite of normal GTT results (no serum insulin levels were tested); and what other things might cause it to be impossible to lose the weight.  
Thank you

[gimel]

You need to get your doc to check free T3, and prescribe med. to get you into the upper third of its range, for best results.  If you want to know where you are right now, do the temp. check I talk about all the time.

[Barb135]

I asked for a free T-3 test and my pcp told me that it was almost never necessary and refused to put it on the lab order.  My ENT is referring me to an endo and I'm waiting for that call - hopefully, I will get somewhere with that.  

[stella5349]

There are a few major common factors regarding the weight gain when a patient is hypoT

Your levels of Free's are off - as Gimel says

Your storing insulin as you suggest

Your cortisol is off  - again is storing mode which deplete adrenal function

Your Progestrone/ Estrodiol is off due the age and HypoT in combo.

Those are the major things. - then throw in the Vit and Mineral depletions that can happen and that too can effect weight.

If you doctor won't even test the free T3 - then I highly doubt he will even consider testing you with the right labs on the rest of the metobolic panels.

Have you thought of going to a bio identical MD physician? I think with your age appropriateness and your desire to find the root of the problem - someone like that could get to the bottom of your problem and get you hormonally balanced so the weight would shed off of you like it did in you younger years.

I am not promoting anything - but Laura1967 may have some info - since she lives on your state.

[stella5349]

Oh BTW

The Zone diet and SB are a really good plan to look at as a life change of diet.

Are you following any program?

[murrelet]

Have you read The Schwarzbein Principle?  She recommends a protein rich breakfast and feels breakfasts like granola cause insulin to spike.  l