Insulin resistance is a condition where the body does not use insulin effectively. This review suggests that insulin resistance can serve as a sentinel biomarker. This means it may be an early indicator of progression toward several conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Doctors can use different tools to measure insulin resistance, such as the HOMA-IR or the triglyceride-glucose index. However, there is currently no single, universally validated test for screening the general public. Instead, experts recommend targeted testing for specific groups, such as people with a family history of diabetes or other early metabolic risk factors.
Because there is no universal test, it is important to note that these findings are based on a narrative review. More research is needed to see if using insulin resistance markers specifically improves health outcomes compared to standard blood sugar checks. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk factors and how these markers might apply to your health.
