The TG/HDL ratio is a valid, accessible, and inexpensive marker for insulin resistance (IR), especially when used with other health metrics. It's ideal for identifying individuals who might need deeper metabolic testing. However, for routine IR screening in primary care or at home, the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a stronger choice, it is more accurate, adjusts for height, and is simpler to interpret.
Waist circumference (WC) still has its place, particularly for monitoring visceral fat or diagnosing metabolic syndrome, but it works best when paired with WHtR. If these initial measures are elevated, it is wise to follow up with more precise testing like HOMA-IR, OGTT, or fasting insulin/glucose.
It is important to understand that insulin resistance is not primarily a sugar problem, it is fundamentally linked to fat accumulation. Excess fat, especially visceral fat, leads to inflammation and the release of substances that impair insulin signaling. This fat-induced dysfunction is the main driver of IR, even when blood sugar levels are still normal.
Is it true that skin tags are a sign of insulin resistance because in the last 2 years I have gained heaps, mostly on my neck & where my bra sits. They at so annoying.
This was a great read menopause nutrition! Reading the ins and outs of insulin is always so fascinating to me. I have a mother who’s going through menopause and also a type 2 diabetic so this info really helps. She’s been doing much better lately with her food habits and her diet is much more balanced than it used to be. My whole family eve got on board and our food habits have been healthier as well.💪❤️
Very informative, thank you for breaking this all down. While the BMI is pretty much useless since it doesn't account for body composition/muscle mass, the waist circumference is interesting. It also doesn't account for size or shape, but might be a good starting place.
Thank you for your article, Liz.
The TG/HDL ratio is a valid, accessible, and inexpensive marker for insulin resistance (IR), especially when used with other health metrics. It's ideal for identifying individuals who might need deeper metabolic testing. However, for routine IR screening in primary care or at home, the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a stronger choice, it is more accurate, adjusts for height, and is simpler to interpret.
Waist circumference (WC) still has its place, particularly for monitoring visceral fat or diagnosing metabolic syndrome, but it works best when paired with WHtR. If these initial measures are elevated, it is wise to follow up with more precise testing like HOMA-IR, OGTT, or fasting insulin/glucose.
It is important to understand that insulin resistance is not primarily a sugar problem, it is fundamentally linked to fat accumulation. Excess fat, especially visceral fat, leads to inflammation and the release of substances that impair insulin signaling. This fat-induced dysfunction is the main driver of IR, even when blood sugar levels are still normal.
Hopefully, this is not BS. 🤔🤣
Not BS at all! Visceral fat is a real bugger.
Is it true that skin tags are a sign of insulin resistance because in the last 2 years I have gained heaps, mostly on my neck & where my bra sits. They at so annoying.
Yes, they can be a sign of IR. Have you talked with your doctor about your skin tags?
This was a great read menopause nutrition! Reading the ins and outs of insulin is always so fascinating to me. I have a mother who’s going through menopause and also a type 2 diabetic so this info really helps. She’s been doing much better lately with her food habits and her diet is much more balanced than it used to be. My whole family eve got on board and our food habits have been healthier as well.💪❤️
Thank you for letting me know this was helpful!
Very informative, thank you for breaking this all down. While the BMI is pretty much useless since it doesn't account for body composition/muscle mass, the waist circumference is interesting. It also doesn't account for size or shape, but might be a good starting place.
Excellent as usual. Just say NO to the faux!
Thank you, Leslie. Sadly, it’s hard to say no to all the BS out there because it’s hard to know what is BS without someone pointing it out!