The DAISY Study: Understanding Insulin Resistance in PCOS
For years, research has shown that insulin resistance affects the majority of adults, yet most healthcare providers still focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. The DAISY Study (Determining Associations of Insulin Resistance with Symptoms) is designed to change that by uncovering the true extent of insulin resistance—even in those with normal blood sugar levels.
The goal of this study is simple: to prove that insulin resistance is present in the majority of patients, even when traditional tests don’t catch it. If we can demonstrate that insulin testing is a more reliable way to diagnose and manage insulin resistance, it could reshape clinical guidelines and lead to earlier, more effective interventions.
Why This Study Matters
Most patients with insulin resistance are told their blood sugar levels are “normal” and sent on their way—never realizing that their insulin levels are three to four times higher than they should be. This delay in diagnosis can mean years of worsening health before a doctor finally recognizes the problem.
The DAISY Study is important because:
- It challenges outdated diagnostic methods. Fasting glucose and A1c are still the standard for diagnosing metabolic issues, despite research showing that insulin resistance develops decades before blood sugar becomes abnormal.
- It highlights the importance of insulin testing. If we find that the majority of patients have high insulin levels—even with normal glucose—this could further push for routine insulin testing in clinical practice.
- It helps explain the wide range of PCOS symptoms. Insulin resistance contributes to everything from irregular periods and infertility to weight gain, acne, and excess hair growth. Understanding how insulin impacts these symptoms will help patients and doctors take a more targeted approach to treatment.
Study Design
- Participants: Anyone over 18 years of age (male or female and with or without PCOS)
- Testing Includes:
- Fasting Insulin & Glucose – To measure baseline insulin resistance
- C-Peptide – A secondary marker of insulin production
- Lipids – Markers of heart health
- Triglyceride-to-HDL Ratio – A known marker of insulin resistance
- Inflammatory Markers (C-Reactive Protein) – To evaluate how insulin resistance contributes to chronic inflammation
By looking at these markers together, the DAISY Study will paint a clearer picture of how insulin resistance impacts PCOS—beyond just blood sugar.
What We Expect to Find
- High insulin levels in the majority of adults, even with normal glucose and A1c
- Stronger correlations between insulin resistance and PCOS symptoms than with BMI alone
- Links between insulin resistance and inflammation, fertility issues, and metabolic health in both males and females
- Clear evidence that insulin testing should be a standard part of routine care
Changing the Future of PCOS Care
For too long, PCOS patients have been overlooked and underserved when it comes to insulin resistance testing. The DAISY Study aims to change that by providing undeniable evidence that insulin resistance is present in nearly all PCOS patients (as well as patients without PCOS), regardless of weight or glucose levels.
If these findings hold, the case for routine insulin testing will be stronger than ever. This could lead to:
- Better, earlier diagnosis of insulin resistance
- More effective treatment strategies that target the root cause instead of just symptoms
- A shift in clinical guidelines to prioritize insulin testing alongside traditional metabolic markers
PCOS care is long overdue for an update, and the DAISY Study is an important step toward making that happen. By proving that insulin resistance should be the primary focus of PCOS treatment, this study could change the way insulin resistance is diagnosed and managed for good.
