Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

fasting blood sugar vs. glucose tolerance test

Question:

>olerance test.  The Glucose test tests for blood sugar, the insulin >tolerances >test tests your insulin.

I just got back from my first visit to endocrinologist, he was very agreeable and more knowledgeable about PCOS, than many of the endo’s others on this new group and the listserv as well have experience.  He readily agreed to give me the metforin/glucophage as well as the spiralactone(sp?). My question is about the insulin resistance test.  I asked for that test, and today they took an "insulin blood test".  Is that the same thing as insulin resistance or is it supposed to be a fasting type test like the glucose tolerance?  Has anyone here has the insulin resistance test?

Response:

I had a glucose tolerance test with insulin levels taken at fasting and at intermittent periods during the glucose test.  It’s only an insulin resistence test if the insulin levels are taken too, but that has to be specified.   I am due to start rezulin in a month or so.  It’s supposed to help me ovulate. That is a nice dream.  We’ll see. Heather

Response:

Ok Everyone, I promise this will be my last posting for the night Sorry it’s so long. Recently I have been reading about more of the signs and symptoms of PCO, and read somewhere that a fasting blood sugar level will not necessarily show whether or not one has IR. I read that the only definitive way to determine this is to do a glucose tolerance test where you drink flavored sugar water and then have the glucose test. I am considering asking my dr. to order this test for me. I had a fasting blood sugar level test that said that my levels were high (though not high enough to indicate diabeties). A second test was ordered – at my request by my gyn. Same test, normal results this time. What confuses me though, are some of the symptoms I have – enough to make me consider getting this test. For example: This morning I was in a big hurry to leave, so I grabbed a small bowl of cereal – Crispix – even though I know the carbs are supposed to be a big no-no. Several hours later, I began to get so shakey and jittery that I almost couldn’t even write legibly – though my handwriting is usually fairly neat. I started to get all confused, and couldn’t concentrate hardly at all. I immediately started feeling better after eating a banana. Is this a sign of IR or not? Am I being overly concerned about wanting this blood test done? Any advice will be great. I’m supposed to talk to my gyn. about my u/s early next week, and I’d love to have some info. to support my concerns. Thanks, and Happy Holidays to everyone Christi

Response:

Christi, You wrote: >read somewhere that a fasting blood sugar level will not >necessarily show whether or not one has IR. I read that the only >definitive way to determine this is to do a glucose tolerance test

From what I understand this is not correct (reminder – I am not a medical authority in any means).  I believe the true test is called an INSULIN tolerance test.  The Glucose test tests for blood sugar, the insulin tolerances test tests your insulin.  Check with your doctor which of these is more important for testing IR, but I believe it is the insulin tolerance test. Also, regarding: >Several >hours later, I began to get so shakey and jittery that I almost >couldn’t even write legibly – though my handwriting is usually fairly >neat. I started to get all confused, and couldn’t concentrate hardly >at all.

This sounds to me like a bout of hypoglycemia.  Again, I have no proof or knowledge other then heresay but a friend of mine who is a nurse once described hypogylcemia as this kind of reaction.  I have felt this way every once in awhile myself, however without having a home blood sugar test or immediate access to a doctor I could never really check my blood sugar level at the time.  From what I understand hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar crashes (often after eating something with sugar).  I would definitely mention this episode to your doctor simply for peace of mind. >Am I being overly concerned about wanting >this blood test done?

In my mind, peace of mind is worth it’s weight in gold.  Don’t stress yourself over them, but it is always better to be safe than worry over something you don’t have the answers to I hope this helped Tina Meo…@aol.com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -meo…@aol.com (MeowTC) wrote: >Christi, >You wrote: >>read somewhere that a fasting blood sugar level will not >>necessarily show whether or not one has IR. I read that the only >>definitive way to determine this is to do a glucose tolerance test >From what I understand this is not correct (reminder – I am not a medical >authority in any means).  I believe the true test is called an INSULIN >tolerance test.  The Glucose test tests for blood sugar, the insulin tolerances >test tests your insulin.  Check with your doctor which of these is more >important for testing IR, but I believe it is the insulin tolerance test. >Also, regarding: >>Several >>hours later, I began to get so shakey and jittery that I almost >>couldn’t even write legibly – though my handwriting is usually fairly >>neat. I started to get all confused, and couldn’t concentrate hardly >>at all. >This sounds to me like a bout of hypoglycemia.  Again, I have no proof or >knowledge other then heresay but a friend of mine who is a nurse once described >hypogylcemia as this kind of reaction.  I have felt this way every once in >awhile myself, however without having a home blood sugar test or immediate >access to a doctor I could never really check my blood sugar level at the time. > From what I understand hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar crashes (often >after eating something with sugar).  I would definitely mention this episode to >your doctor simply for peace of mind. >>Am I being overly concerned about wanting >>this blood test done? >In my mind, peace of mind is worth it’s weight in gold.  Don’t stress yourself >over them, but it is always better to be safe than worry over something you >don’t have the answers to >I hope this helped >Tina >Meo…@aol.com

Tina, Thanks, it definitely did. I’m going to see one of my dr.s tomorrow morning and I’ll talk to him them. The other I’ll speak with in the next few days, so depending upon what dr. #1 says, I’ll seek advice from dr. #2 Thanks again, Christi

Response:

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