Why Healthcare Providers Don’t Measure Insulin Levels and What You Can Do About It
Understanding the Gap in Insulin Testing
You might be surprised to learn that many healthcare providers don’t routinely measure insulin levels. This oversight can be attributed to several reasons, which we’ll explore in detail. We’ll also discuss what steps you can take to ensure your insulin levels are tested and why it’s crucial for your health.
Reasons Why Insulin Levels Aren’t Measured
- Lack of Awareness and Education Our current healthcare system often focuses on treating diseases rather than preventing them. Measuring insulin is a preventative measure that isn’t emphasized enough. Additionally, the significance of insulin resistance beyond glucose management in diabetics is not widely taught in medical schools or dietetic programs. Doctors, like all professionals, can find it challenging to stay updated with the latest scientific developments.
- Insurance Reimbursement Issues Many insurance companies do not cover the cost of insulin testing. This lack of reimbursement can discourage healthcare providers from ordering these tests, as they may not want to burden patients with additional out-of-pocket expenses.
- Clinical Uncertainty If a patient’s insulin levels come back high while their glucose levels are normal, some healthcare providers may feel unprepared to address the issue. This uncertainty can lead them to avoid ordering the test altogether to prevent being in a situation where they cannot provide clear answers or solutions.
- Lack of FDA-Approved Treatments for PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often involves insulin resistance, but there are no FDA-approved treatments specifically for this condition. Many treatments are used off-label and come with side effects, making healthcare providers hesitant to measure insulin levels without clear treatment pathways.
- Perceived Irrelevance Given that a significant portion of the population has elevated insulin levels, some healthcare providers might consider testing redundant. They may feel that confirming what they already suspect doesn’t provide additional actionable information.
What Can Patients Do?
- Request an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test with Insulin Ask your healthcare provider for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with insulin. This test measures how your body metabolizes a large amount of glucose and whether you are over-secreting insulin.
- Utilize At-Home Testing Kits If your healthcare provider declines your request, consider using an at-home insulin testing kit. The Lilli Health At-Home Insulin Testing Kit (“Lilli Kit”) is available on the Lilli Health website and allows you to test your insulin levels from the comfort of your home.
- Request a C-Peptide Test Another useful test is the C-peptide test. This test measures the amount of C-peptide in your blood, which can indicate how much insulin your body is producing. Elevated C-peptide levels can be a sign of insulin resistance.
- Order Tests Independently You can also order insulin tests directly from laboratories like Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp, bypassing the need for a healthcare provider’s order.
Why Does It Matter?
Elevated insulin levels are associated with numerous chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. By the time blood glucose levels become abnormal, significant damage may already have occurred. Early identification of elevated insulin is critical for preserving metabolic health and preventing disease.
Targeted approaches to lowering insulin levels, such as adopting a Low Insulin Lifestyle, can also improve your quality of life by addressing symptoms like chronic fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight, increased appetite and cravings, sleep issues, depression and anxiety, skin problems, and gut health.
Conclusion
Understanding the importance of insulin testing and taking proactive steps to measure and manage your insulin levels can have a profound impact on your overall health. Don’t wait for chronic conditions to develop; take control of your health by staying informed and advocating for the tests and treatments you need.
At Lilli Health, we are committed to empowering you with the knowledge and tools to manage your health effectively. If you have any questions or need further information, please reach out to our team.
Stay healthy and informed!
