Why don't docs test for insulin levels?
 

With my excellent 20/20 hindsight, I now know that I've had an insulin problem for a long time. And, now in my late 50s, I'm very insulin resistant, and (as far as I can tell) leptin resistant, too. If, twenty years ago, I had known what I know today, I'd have been low carbing instead of drinking the "good carb / low fat" koolaid.

Way back then, in the good old bad days of low blood sugar, mood swings, depression, carb cravings and more, I must have been full, FULL of insulin. And it got worse, feeding on itself, as time went on. If only I had known then what nasty things elevated insulin can do to a body, and have done to mine!

So here's my question of the day: why don't doctors routinely test for insulin levels?

Now open for discussion. :D

Short answer: It's not an easy test to do or as cheap as measuring blood sugars.

I posted this in your other thread too. I actually asked my doctor why not and this was essentially what he said, same as this link:

http://www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/d...ance/#diagnosis

"However, the test that most accurately measures insulin resistance, called the euglycemic clamp, is too costly and complicated to be used in most doctors’ offices. The clamp is a research tool used by scientists to learn more about glucose metabolism. If tests indicate pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance most likely is present."

Syrah, I can almost certainly echo your above post too, it applies to me the same. I wish I'd known sooner what was going on and essentially I had to figure it out myself.

A fasting insulin test isn't a bad one to have done. Having a high fasting insulin is a sign that you're insulin resistant. It's also a cheap test. Costs about $16 if you have it done yourself.

I did ask my doc and she said she would do my fasting insulin, but I didn't see the point, I know what's going on now! Ten years ago, it would have been useful information to have.

She did say, however, that she sometimes orders a fasting insulin for younger persons who need to have a wake up call. (My paraphrase, she was less diplomatic than that.) Well, if testing fasting insulin levels can serve as a wake up call, hello!?! why not do it routinely? Yes, Nancy, maybe until it's full-blown diabetes, metabolic disorders don't get no respek. Or, maybe they'd have to propose the LC solution, which goes against conventional nutrition wisdom?

If only I had known that my weight struggle was likely caused by insulin, rather than being an indication of lack of moral fiber and will power!

You can still have a high fasting insulin even if you're low carb. I have that issue. I think I'm borderline diabetic.

They know nothing about dieting, most of them will send you to a dietitian.

My current sport doctor practice a technic called prolotherapy by Ross Hauser, dextrose injection in the ligaments and tendons, he was the first one to put me on a high protein, moderate fat and low carb diet. Telling me that my body needed that protein to repair itself.

To muddy the waters, it's often the case low-carbers have an FBS of 100 or greater, especially in the morning. I am one of those but my A1c is normal and spot tests with my glucose meter read 88 - 90 so I am not worried. I think fasting has finally healed my insulin resistance.

Most people who self-diagnose themselves as having high levels of insulin because of what they're have read in mainstream nutrition books, actually have perfectly normal levels of insulin.
There are a lot of misconceptions about insulin.

It sure does !!!!
https://www.dietdoctor.com/intermittent-fasting