Metabolic clamp method – this method is recognized as the most accurate and repeatable test in the determination of insulin resistance. This method determines the concentration of glucose that must be administered to the patient to maintain the glycemic value at a constant level during a 120-minute insulin infusion.

The insulin tolerance test – allows you to assess the insulin sensitivity of the patient’s body based on his response to the administered insulin. Increased sensitivity to insulin occurs when the process of secretion of insulin antagonistic hormones is disturbed and in diabetic patients with complications in the form of peripheral neuropathy. The test is performed after the initial assessment of insulin sensitivity, as it carries a risk of hypoglycemia.

Endogenous insulin suppression test –  in this test, the body’s insulin secretion is blocked by the administration of adrenaline and porpanolol. The blood glucose concentration obtained during the test in healthy people is within the normal range, while in the case of people struggling with insulin resistance, higher glycemic values ​​are recorded. It should also be noted that during the test glucose may be excreted through the kidneys and the results may be somewhat falsified. There is also a risk of arrhythmia and conduction disorders. To avoid these complications, the body’s insulin secretion must also be blocked.

Source: Wiesław Grzesiuk, Dorota Szydlarska, Katarzyna Jóźwik. Insulin resistance in endocrinopathies. Endokrynologia, Otyłość i Zaburzenia Przemiany Materii 2008, tom 5, nr 1, s. 38–44. ISSN 1734–3321

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