Laboratory diagnosis for Insulin Resistance: Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction. As progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of insulin resistance, we have also seen the development and application of various laboratory diagnostic techniques. Objective. To evaluate the main analysis techniques used in clinical laboratories regarding laboratory diagnosis for IR with the purpose of providing a comprehensive overview of the current state on this topic. Methodology. The research was characterized by being a bibliographic review with a descriptive approach, documentary and non-experimental design, cross-sectional cohort with a retrospective approach. To carry out this review, digital articles were accessed through various databases, such as Pub-Med, Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge and Ciencia Digital, among others. 58 scientific articles were reviewed, and 17 articles were selected through the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results. Several diagnostic methods are available, including fasting glucose measurement and glucose tolerance testing. Additionally, assessment of biomarkers, such as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and serum insulin, can provide valuable information. However, it is important to note that the accuracy of these methods may be affected by several factors, including biological variability and concurrent medical conditions. Conclusion. The individual results of the laboratory tests are difficult to interpret, so it is necessary to know and record the basic clinical characteristics calculated from the weight, height and abdominal circumference index of the subjects evaluated to relate them to the biochemical variables. such as basal glucose and insulin and triglycerides, which will allow the HOMA-IR index to be calculated as well as the triglycerides/glucose index, information that generates the main tests for the diagnosis of insulin resistance.