Insulin Resistance Testing

Insulin resistance can complicate the journey toward conception for many men and women. At Pacific Reproductive Center, our specialists provide expert support and personalized solutions to help you overcome these challenges and achieve a healthy pregnancy.

Keep reading to learn about insulin resistance, its symptoms, risk factors, and the treatment options available to help improve your fertility.

What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance occurs when your muscle, fat, and liver cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. This disrupts both blood sugar control and hormonal balance, potentially interfering with ovulation, causing irregular cycles and a decreased chance of conception.

Symptoms of Insulin Resistance

Common Signs and Symptoms of Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance has several signs and symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue.
• Frequent urination.
• Tingling, numbness, or pain in the bottom of the feet.
• Headaches or pain in the face, head, or neck.
• Increased thirst and hunger.
• Dry mouth.
• High blood sugar and pressure.
• Frequent infections or slow-healing sores.
• Gum bleeding.
• Unintended weight changes.
• Infertility.

Insulin Resistance and Fertility Issues

Insulin resistance can significantly impact fertility in both men and women, often leading to one or more of the following:

Women

• Irregular or missed ovulation.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Poor egg quality.
• Poor embryo quality.
• Increased risk of miscarriage.
• Adverse pregnancy outcomes (e.g., gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, small birth weight, and long-term health complications like cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes).

Men

• Low testosterone levels.
• Decreased sperm count.
• Decreased sperm motility.
• Poorly regulated blood sugar levels.

Insulin Resistance in Pregnancy

Insulin resistance is common during pregnancy, typically beginning around 20-24 weeks gestation. Pregnancy hormones like estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen (which helps prepare the body for breastfeeding) tend to block insulin, causing insulin resistance.

Causes and Risk Factors for Insulin Resistance

Genetic and Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Insulin Resistance

Excess abdominal fat and lack of physical activity are the two main factors contributing to insulin resistance in men and women. Additional risk factors include:

• A diet that’s high in processed foods, carbohydrates, and saturated fats.
• Certain medications (e.g., steroids, blood pressure medications, and HIV treatments).
• Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• A family history of insulin resistance, gestational diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.
• Type A insulin resistance.
• PCOS.
• Having a sleep disorder, like sleep apnea.
• Smoking.

If you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of insulin resistance, consult your healthcare provider or fertility specialists about insulin resistance testing and possible treatment options.

What Is an Insulin Resistance Test?

Insulin resistance is commonly diagnosed using a combination of blood and other diagnostic testing. The most common test is an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). However, depending on your unique symptoms your healthcare provider may recommend additional bloodwork.

How Insulin Resistance Tests Are Performed

• OGTT: After fasting overnight, drink a sugary beverage and have your blood drawn at zero, 30, 60, and 120 minutes. This test measures how well your body processes glucose.
• Fasting plasma glucose (FPG): After fasting for at least eight hours, your blood is drawn to test your blood sugar levels. High levels indicate insulin resistance.
• Hemoglobin A1c test: A blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two or three months. It is typically repeated every three months to monitor long-term blood sugar control and establish trends.
• Lipid panel: A blood test that measures the level of fatty compounds in your blood, often linked to insulin resistance.

Treatment and Management Options for Insulin Resistance

Here are six treatment and management options for insulin resistance:

1. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet high in fiber, whole grains, lean meats, fresh fruit, and vegetables and low in carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and saturated fats.
2. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.
3. Lose abdominal weight.
4. Get seven to nine hours of restorative sleep each night.
5. Manage chronic stress.
6. Talk to your doctor to find out if prescription medications are right for you.

How PRC Supports You in Managing Insulin Resistance

If you have been diagnosed with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes and are having difficulty conceiving, the skilled team at Pacific Reproductive Center can help.

We begin with a diagnostic blood test, personalized dietary and exercise recommendations ,and prescription medications (if necessary) to improve your insulin sensitivity. These strategies are then combined with a custom treatment plan to optimize your fertility.

We are ready to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy. Please contact our helpful representatives to schedule a consultation today.