Insulin Resistance

[pcds]

We all get our blood sugar level checked.  Although when checked it's not a fasting blood sugar.  Depending on what I eat before a lab test will effect the blood sugar.  I know to suspect diabetes non fasting blood sugar needs to be over 200.  How do I know if I am insulin resistant.  What can I do to lower this potential effect.
Judy

[Trinity4]

My fasting glucose ran a little high while I was on antiviral/immunotherapy drugs.  It has returned to normal since after stopping treatment.  

Trinity

[pcds]

Thank you both for great information.  I will discuss HOMA with my doc if I am going to continue tx.  My non fasting blood sugar is under 100 last I checked a few weeks ago.  I was into low glycemic diet before dx, now my diet is all to hell, I eat stuff like peanut butter, yuck.  My tastes have changed and can't eat brocolli and spinach like I used to.  I run, but now have given up the gym,  just too wiped out.  At least I still run monday through Friday.  Another something to worry about.  I have a talent for worry.

[Bill1954]

Fasting blood sugar results should ideally be less than 100; prediabetes occurs between 101 and 124, and frank diabetes greater than 125. These are fasting measurements, and it’s important to note that one or two results are no more accurate diagnosing diabetes than a couple of blood pressure checks are for hypertension.

There’s a test called ‘HOMA-IR’ that is a ratio between fasting insulin and fasting blood sugar; I believe this is the insulin resistance test. Although there have been some rather recent studies that have associated insulin resistance with poor IFN response, it doesn’t preclude success either. I was *very* resistant to insulin throughout HCV therapy, and went on to SVR-land regardless. I don’t think I’d look for this to be a panacea for success is all…

You probably don’t need to take any actions to remedy IR unless you believe you have metabolic issues. As a diabetic, I have to eat all carbohydrates carefully; things like sugar, pasta, potatoes, white bread all need to either be avoided or consumed in small portions. If you metabolize carbs efficiently I wouldn’t think you’d have to worry about any of this.  

Bill

[Cory255]

You're gonna want to fast 12 hours before the blood test.  So don't eat anything 12 hours before they draw blood.  You need to have both your fasting insulin and fasting glucose (sugar) tested.  Once you have both blood tests you can calculate your HOMA.  Your HOMA will tell you whether you are insulin resistant or not.  The formula is on the website I've provided.  
IR is a PREDICTOR of SVR.  Being insulin resistant impairs your ability to achieve a sustained response to Chemotherapy drugs peginterferon and ribavirin...

HCV slowly damages the mitochondria through a process of oxidative stress. Aerobic exercise helps produce more mitochondria and a high-protein diet boosts the benefit of exercise, which decreases insulin resistance.

Metformin is not for everyone...Discuss this with your Dr.  It increases your odds of clearing if you take it before and/or during treatment.  

http://www.hcvets.com/data/hcv_liver/InsulinResist.htm

IR can be the cause of steatosis & fibrosis in genotype 1 patients. Note to self:
Most Doctors are not aware of IR or the roll that it plays. They may also not know how to compute HOMA. It may be helpful to print out the info on this website to bring with you.

How do you reduce Insulin Resistance & manage blood sugar?
1. Take Vitamin K- It is found in brussel sprouts, brocolli, & dark leafy greens.
2. High intensity exercise- Lift weights & ride your bike.
3. Eat high fiber foods- fortified cereals- Eat flaxseed
4. Consume Citrus Peel Extract
5. Supplement Alpha Lipoic Acid
6. Low glycemic index diet
7. Eat Chromium
8. Resistance Training
9. Yoga
10. Use Turemic when you cook
11. Deep restorative sleep
12. Low grain, NO SUGAR diet- The virus loves sugar- Stay away from it
13. Supplements- Gymnema sylvestre, bitter melon, fenugreek, banaba, & cinnamon
14. Vanadium
15. Omega 3-fatty acid fish oil