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Can Insulin Resistance Be Treatable?

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Posted on Thu, 6 Oct 2016
Question: Can insulin resistance be cured and reversed w diet and exercise? Is 1500mg of metformin a good dose for IR?
Fastig glucose is between 82-88 & a1c is 4.2
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it is possible

Detailed Answer:
Although it is not straightforward to diagnose insulin resistance, a good clinician will take into account multiple aspects to arrive at this conclusion.
This includes indirect evidence such as skin conditions called acanthosis and skin tags. Further indicators would be belly fat, general overweight or obesity, high blood triglyceride levels and low blood HDL cholesterol levels.
Then medical diseases that lead to insulin resistance need to be ruled out. Examples include thyroid problems, Cushing's syndrome and Acromegaly.
Once the diagnosis is likely, treatment is commenced with lifestyle modification in the form of increased physical activity and healthful eating. Weight loss is desirable if you are overweight or obese.
Medications like metformin help but are not approved as such for this purpose.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (28 minutes later)
Can chronic illness or physical/emotional stress cause insulin resistance or worsen it
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
It depends on the specific type of chronic illness. A chronic excess of cortisol in the body as occurs in Cushings syndrome , or a chronic excess of Growth hormone as occurs in Acromegaly, can cause Insulin resistance.
The role of stress if also known. For instance, the stress of a significant illness requiring hospitalization or surgery does lead to elevated blood glucoses temporarily in some people. This is at least partially due to insulin resistance.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (21 hours later)
My dhea-s has decreasd from 551-517 (lab normal is 341) A ct scan w contrast and iodine drink showed normal adrenals. I am starting metformin 1500mg/day. A1c is 4.2. Is the decrease significant or minor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Second follow up

Detailed Answer:
The decrease is not particularly impressive. Moreover, measuring DHEAS as a marker of insulin resistance is not practised.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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Can Insulin Resistance Be Treatable?

Brief Answer: Yes it is possible Detailed Answer: Although it is not straightforward to diagnose insulin resistance, a good clinician will take into account multiple aspects to arrive at this conclusion. This includes indirect evidence such as skin conditions called acanthosis and skin tags. Further indicators would be belly fat, general overweight or obesity, high blood triglyceride levels and low blood HDL cholesterol levels. Then medical diseases that lead to insulin resistance need to be ruled out. Examples include thyroid problems, Cushing's syndrome and Acromegaly. Once the diagnosis is likely, treatment is commenced with lifestyle modification in the form of increased physical activity and healthful eating. Weight loss is desirable if you are overweight or obese. Medications like metformin help but are not approved as such for this purpose.