Does this sound like insulin resistance?

[vickster86]

I suspect that I may be suffering from insulin resistance or hyperinsulinemia.  I have spoken to my GP who said that he doubted this was the case, as I am a normal weight and I don't have elevated blood glucose levels. However I am very hungry, tired and fuzzy headed within less than an hour of eating, and this is immediately (temporarily) relieved by eating a carbohydrate. I eat a balanced and healthy diet, with plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates and little sugar, yet I still experience these feelings. I have also been diagnosed with PCOS which I understanded is implicated in insulin resistance.

I would be very grateful if you could advise me of the best course of action.  Can I ask my GP for a fasting insulin test?

Thanks for your help

[queenred5]

Hello,
I have insulin resistance. They found out after a long period of time, I finally ended up in the hospital after several periods of syncope. (fainting). They did what was called a  "cortisol stimulating" test. I failed and we found out that I don't produce enough cortisol to live, drs words. Not life supporting, however the good news is that I have to stay on just 5mg a day of Prednisone. I have other endocrinology problems, being an asthmatic for over 50 plus years and lving on Pred and anitiobiotics is what caused the adrenal gland to stop producing cortisol. I have hypothyroid and the adrenal failure plus I am having severe hypoglycemia, as of yet undetermined why.
Hope that helps, but find a good Endocrinologist. Several tests are needed.

[taulandi]

you can recommend fasting and oral glucose resistance test and can repeat more than one time to fully diagnosed with insulin resistance.

but remember that your pcos condition can be a risk for insulin resistance onset. keep going with this diet plan, and keep exercised. always  keep in touch with your gp for further assistance and lifestyle changes plan.

http://www.all-about-beating-diabetes.com/insulin-resistance-treatment.html

[WaveRider]

"...hope my GP is open minded and doesn't just say "it's all in your mind"! "
Change GP's if he/she doesn't abide by your wishes. It's your health and well being they swore to uphold but some dr's are only in it for the $$. Sad but true on rare occasions.

[vickster86]

Thank you very much for the reply, much appreciated.  I can cross off thyroid and fasting glucose which were both normal apparantly. So I will ask about the others and hope my GP is open minded and doesn't just say "it's all in your mind"!

Thanks again :)

[WaveRider]

These are the tests you should be asking for but not necessarily in this order:
1. GAD: Not depression associated, but "glutamic acid decarboxylase" which is an antibody against insulin production
2. C-peptide: Helps determine how much insulin the pancreas is producing.
3. Thyroid: [hyper and hypothyroidism]. Whacky Thyroid T3 & T4 cell production will affect your pancreas insulin production.
4. OGTT
5. Fasting glucose
6. A1c aka HbA1c or HgbA1c

Bear in mind improper weight control and PCOS can contribute to inadequacies. All the above will determine where you stand.