PCOS and insulin resistance - how to test?

[Mmmmcheese]

I have had PCOS diagnosed for a couple of years now. I went to my GP to ask if I could get tested for insulin resistance to know whether I should take metformin. She said I just need a fasting blood test. Is that right? Can you tell insulin resistance just from one blood test? I thought you would need another one just after eating something to see what is happening?

Pcos is thought to be a metabolic disorder, that is, insulin resistance.

A dietician I saw recommended a low carb diet to treat both. She works primarily with women ttc.

Hi, yes just one test will show if there is something to be worried about; they might re-test you a week or so later if anything shows up.

They do the fasting test to show if your base level of insulin is too high - ie if there is a lot of insulin in your blood when there should only be a bit. Not sure about the test after eating I'm afraid.

I second alpine 's comment about the low carb diet being really helpful. I've been following a low GI / GL diet for a few months and have brought my insulin levels right down to almost normal.

HTH