Tests for blood sugar control #bloodsugar #hba1c #insulinresistance #diabetes

Let’s chat about a few of my favourite tests for assessing blood sugar control and insulin resistance.

At the bottom of the hierarchy, we have the HbA1c. HbA1c measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It’s a good tool for diagnosing and monitoring long-term glucose control in diabetes. However, it does not take into account insulin and may only rise years after insulin resistance is present.

Next, we have fasting glucose and fasting insulin. This is more helpful than the Hba1c as it shows both glucose and insulin in the blood. Elevated fasting glucose levels can indicate impaired glucose tolerance, and elevated fasting insulin indicates insulin resistance. However, this only shows us levels at fasting, not after you eat a meal.

At the top of the hierarchy is the 2-hour insulin glucose challenge test. This test measures blood glucose and insulin levels after the ingestion of a standardized amount of glucose solution. Levels are taken at fasting and then again at 30, 60 and 120 minutes after the glucose solution. The amazing thing about this test is that it shows not only your fasting levels but also the response your body has after ingestion, providing a comprehensive view of your blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.

Have you had 1, 2 or all three of these tests done? What was your experience?