Laboratory Work

Q: Why should I have lab work done?

A: We rely on laboratory testing to make the diagnosis of insulin resistance and to follow members who are making positive lifestyle changes. To begin, we ask for a basic chemistry profile along with a lipid profile and thyroid function test. Important aspects of these blood tests need close attention even tough most physicians so not show much concern.

Fasting Blood Sugar: Even though the normal range for fasting blood sugar is 65 to 110 (3.6 to 6.1 mmol/L) we become concerned when this number begins to approach 95 to 100 (5.3 to 5.5 mmol/L). If the fasting blood sugar is between 110 and 125 (6.1 to 6.9 mmol/L), this is evidence of what is referred to as glucose intolerance or pre-clinical diabetes mellitus. When it is greater than 125 (6.9 mmol/L), you usually already have developed diabetes mellitus and additional testing is definitely required.

Uric Acid: Tends to be elevated in people who have or who are developing insulin resistance. Elevated uric acid may also lead to gout.

Lipid Profile: Checks total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. This test usually includes a reading for the VLDL (very low dense lipoproteins), which increase significantly in people whoa recurrently developing or who have already developed insulin resistance.

Triglyceride/HDL Cholesterol: Since triglyceride levels increase and HDL cholesterol decrease in people who are developing insulin resistance, we pay close attention to these numbers even if they are within normal limits. We divide the triglyceride level by the HDL cholesterol level and if this number is greater than two, this offers indirect evidence of Hyperinsulinemia. Most doctors do not routinely get fasting insulin levels because they are expensive and not well standardized. We like using the triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ration because as blood insulin levels rise, this ration also increases. It is also the best indicator that you have not developed insulin resistance or have corrected their underlying insulin insensitivity.

TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone): This thyroid function test helps us determine whether a person has developed hypothyroidism. This is the most sensitive blood test we have for thyroid function. When the brain senses that the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroids, it sends out the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) as a way to tell the thyroid gland to produce more. Therefore, when the thyroid gland begins to quit making enough thyroid hormone, the TSH in your blood stream begins to rise. However, most doctors, including ours, now believe the upper limit of “normal” should be 4.50. There are definitely a tremendous number of patients who have hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) that are going undetected. This is another main reason why some individuals simply cannot lose weight.

Laboratory testing is essential for anyone trying to determine his or her sensitivity for insulin. It is simple and relatively inexpensive to see where your score are presently. If you have recent blood work (within the last six months), you can ask your doctor to give you a copy of your blood work and se what was tested and make your own calculations. If it has been more than six months or you have not had these blood tests done in the past you can order your tests online and simply go to the closest LabCorp location for the blood draw. If you have developed any signs or symptoms of insulin resistance, you can start reversing the effects today… Reset Your Life.