PharmEasy Blog

HOMA-IR Test – A Test That Can Predict Diabetes – Know More!

The very mention of diabetes can strike fear in the heart of the bravest. It is known to adversely affect several organs in the body like the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and many more. If not diagnosed on time and treated, it can lead to several complications. You may have read plenty of blogs on how you can manage diabetes or about the measures you can adopt to prevent the onset of this disorder. But are you aware there is a test that can predict your chances of developing diabetes? It’s called the HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin resistance) test. This test can help you in preventing diabetes.

Besides HOMA-IR, there are several other diagnostic tests that are used for testing for diabetes. Get in touch with your doctor to find out which test you should opt for and how to prepare yourself for it. Remember, the earlier the diagnosis, the easier and more effective the treatment procedures are going to be!

Did you know?

What is Diabetes all about?

To understand how HOMA IR may help you, you have to understand a thing or two about diabetes.

Diabetes is of two types – Type 1 (your body produces less insulin) and type 2 (associated with insulin resistance or less insulin production). Read more about the difference between type 1 & type 2 diabetes.  

Glucose or as it is more commonly known, blood sugar provides energy to the cells of our body. It acts as fuel, driving our cells, tissues, muscles and organs to perform their respective tasks. Our pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin sends signals to your cells to pick up glucose from your bloodstream. But sometimes, your cells defy the signals that insulin sends and refuse to absorb sugar from the blood. This is a case of insulin resistance. And when this happens, the sugar level in your blood begins to soar. So, we can say that insulin resistance is the precursor to diabetes.  

Abdominal fat increases insulin resistance,Cardio exercises combined with strength training not only decreases insulin resistance(via weight loss) but also increases insulin receptor density on muscles

Dr. Nikhil Yadav, MBBS MD,CCEBDM

What is HOMA-IR?

Insulin resistance not only paves the way for type 2 diabetes but also other diseases like hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and cancer.  

Strangely enough, people with normal levels of blood sugar may be insulin resistant. And this is exactly where HOMA IR can help. This test measures how resistant your cells are to insulin. Insulin resistance, even if the sugar content in your blood is within acceptable levels, hints that there is a possibility that your blood sugar might spike in the future. This is how the HOMA-IR goes a step further than a normal blood sugar test, which can only monitor your sugar level and would not be able to detect if anything is wrong until high blood sugar sets in.    

HOMA IR, on the other hand, will ring the warning bells as soon as it registers even the slightest resistance to insulin in the pre-diabetes stage so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent a full-blown attack of diabetes.

Acute illness and stress are the two clinically often neglected conditions where fasting plasma glucose test is more sensitive than HbA1C, which is also known as glycated hemoglobin test for detecting blood sugar levels. One should always do the Fasting plasma glucose along with HbA1C to get a correct diagnosis.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

HOMA-IR Scale  

Your results from the HOMA-IR test are displayed against a scale or range that determines the level of your insulin resistance. Low HOMA-IR implies you are sensitive to insulin and higher levels indicate insulin resistance and higher chances of you developing diabetes mellitus.  

Initial diagnosis of diabetes should always be made by fasting blood sugar and post prandial blood sugar. For monitoring you can use HbA1c.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Ways to decrease your HOMA-IR scale

To properly be able to tackle decreasing insulin resistance, it is necessary to bring about changes in lifestyle and habits. There are two ways in which this could be achieved:

Want to manage your diabetes effectively? Book your free diabetes consultation from our experts!

What should you do if you are Insulin Resistant?

You should consult a doctor who will advise you on appropriate lifestyle modification or prescribe the appropriate medication. You will also have to go on a special diet of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, eggs, soy products, etc. Seek a dietician’s help to draw up a diet chart and don’t forget to exercise regularly. Workout is known to decrease insulin resistance. Get at least 7-hours of sleep.    

HOMA-IR is a groundbreaking new method of diagnosing diabetes before it develops. With appropriate care, you can avert diabetes. Isn’t this test worth your time? So, book a test as soon as possible.

Read More: 10 Home Remedies for Diabetes

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

27
11

How To Choose The Right Glucose Meter For Blood Sugar Monitoring?

For people with diabetes, blood sugar monitoring is a part of their health and fitness routine. Since running lab tests every once in a while can be inconvenient, it is advisable to run blood glucose tests at home using glucose meters. However, it is necessary to exercise discretion while choosing a suitable glucose monitoring device. You must do good research about the products available in the market and their features to make an informed purchase decision.  

Types of Blood Glucose Meters 

We can divide glucose monitoring devices into three different types: non-invasive, invasive and continuous.   

If you use the meter to scan the area, you get the blood glucose level instantly. This is revolutionary for people with diabetes who no longer have to inject themselves half a dozen times a day or replace test strips and lancets. Nevertheless, options in the market are limited, and the results so far have displayed that the systems offered are nearly not as accurate as the invasive ones. The sensors of these systems also struggle to stay in place. 

However, the CGM has its constraints, such as maintenance issues and difficulties in understanding and interpreting the data. There is the issue of sensor malfunctions; the difference between capillary blood glucose and the value displayed by continuous glucose measurement can disorient the user. 

You should always know the basics of a glucose monitoring machine to know how it works. First, you need to insert a test strip, followed by poking a clean fingertip with the needle to obtain a drop of blood. The test strip should be carefully touched to the blood; a blood glucose reading would then appear on the screen. 

HbA1c is known as glycosylated hemoglobin test. This blood test is used to find out the average blood sugar levels for 03 months. I routinely suggest HbA1c to my patients as it suggests long term control.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Factors to Consider When Using a Blood Glucose Meter

When used properly, blood glucose meters are normally accurate in how they measure glucose. Here are several factors that need to be considered before choosing a blood glucose meter. 

A very common but ignored part of glucometers is Establishing the accuracy is very challenging. Glucometers Only analyze whole blood, while glucose is unstable in whole blood.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

In conclusion, we can say that it is imperative to make sure that the blood glucose meters one is investing in are worth the time, money, trust and effort. Always remember that nothing should come in the way of your good health.

1

Ease Diabetes With PharmEasy – Join This Community To Manage Diabetes Better!

Hello everyone! This community is the first of its kind for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. When your doctor tells you that you have diabetes, it is natural to experience some anxiety about this. But trust us when we say that if you learn to manage diabetes, you don’t have anything to fear and that is why we are here. You don’t have to struggle against diabetes alone, we are here to help – to hold your hand and offer you guidance, answer all your queries and clear your doubts so that you can manage this health condition successfully and live an anxiety-free life.

Get all your Diabetes queries answered by Experts

Join this group now to receive 100% accurate information about diabetes that is verified by diabetologists, doctors and certified diabetes educators and nutritionists. In this community, you will find answers to all your pressing diabetes-linked questions. What should be your ideal blood sugar levels? Does diabetes ever go away? What other health conditions does diabetes trigger? How can you prevent further healthcare complications? What lifestyle changes are recommended? Whatever questions you have, you can reach out to our diabetes experts. They will help you understand diabetes better to manage it better.

It is a private community where you can post your queries without revealing your identity. So no more hesitation, go ahead and ask anything related to your health and diabetes and our experts will help you.

Debunk Diabetes diet myths with Nutritionists

One of the most crucial aspects of diabetes management is diet. Unfortunately, a lot of myths prevail about what kind of meals are ideal for people with high blood sugar. Do you have to give up your beloved laddus and jalebis? Does this mean no more aloo ka paratha? What about your beloved oh-so-sweet fruits like apples and bananas? The good news is, diabetes does not mean a lifetime of bland food. Get free diet tips from diabetes nutrition experts on becoming a part of this community. With these expert tips, you can keep your blood sugar levels in check without setting unrealistic and unattainable dietary goals.

Stretch (yoga) your way to better health! 

Another successful way to keep blood sugar levels in check is through exercise. Exercise lowers blood sugar levels and boosts the health of all your organs. How much exercise do you need a day and what kind of exercise will suit you? Our diabetologists are here to equip you with all the right information. One form of exercise that not only helps with diabetes management but also alleviates stress and anxiety is yoga. We have absolutely free live yoga sessions for our community members every day. Join this group to participate in live yoga sessions every day!

Click here to Join Now

Emphasize your mental health too

If constant worrying about your health is taking a toll, we are here to give you advice on how to improve your mental health because we know that if your mind is not fit, then you can’t strive to make your body healthy. Post your queries on mental health-related issues, stress management and we are there to help.

Who should join this Facebook community?

Why should you join this Facebook community?

  1. 100% Doctor verified information
  2. Get your queries answered
  3. Inspire others and get inspired from other people who are managing diabetes well
  4. Learning about diet management, lifestyle changes and yoga will keep you motivated and can help you reduce your pill burden or prevent you from developing complications- managing diabetes not just requires the prescribed medications but with the right diet, exercise and regular monitoring of your sugars you can live a long and fulfilling life.
  5. Learn about emergencies and complications related to diabetes and understand how to prevent and manage them

So what are you waiting for? Join our group of 5K+ members and become a part of the family! Together we can encourage, empower and enable each other to fight diabetes and live a healthy life. 

We do not prescribe medicines or treatments in this community. But will equip you with the right information on lifestyle changes, diet and yoga to manage your diabetes better. Every person is different, the information provided on the page is to help you understand the condition better and should not be considered as a substitute for your doctor’s advice or treatment plan. You should consult your doctor for regular follow-ups and before implementing any major changes in your diet or routine.

2
1

Colgate Diabetics: Helping You Stay A Step Ahead In Your Diabetes Management

If you have diabetes, there are some precautions that you must take. What you eat, when you eat, your routine exercises are unquestionably significant, but smiling through diabetes is also equally important. 

One aspect of your health that you may not always pay a lot of attention to is your oral health. Yes, diabetes and oral health are closely interlinked. When your blood sugar levels are high, there is an increased risk of gum infections (As per the British Dental Association, you may be 3 times more likely to get gum infections when you experience fluctuating blood sugar levels). Your Body’s immune system is altered, which can lead to complications in Diabetes Management.

That is why people with diabetes are advised to opt for regular dental check-ups and pick their toothpaste carefully.

How the right toothpaste can be an important tool in your diabetes management – 

Proactive care is the key to manage diabetes better, and preventive dental care can help in this quest. Finding the most appropriate toothpaste that fights gum infection can break the cycle of poor oral health due to poor control over blood sugar levels.

Colgate Diabetics: A special toothpaste for your special oral care needs

Colgate presents a toothpaste that suits the unique requirements of a person with diabetes.

After consulting with the best diabetes experts and dentists, Colgate has come up with a unique blend of ayurvedic ingredients to prevent and treat gum infections relating to gingivitis. It reduces infection-causing bacteria in your mouth, thus It will help in reducing the risk of oral infection.

This unique formula of Colgate Diabetics contains Madhunashini, Jamun Seed Extract, Neem and Amla.

  1. Madhunashini, known for its wound healing properties
  2. Jamun is known for its astringent benefits
  3. Neem is known for its strong anti-germ action
  4. Amla is known for its antioxidant properties

Diabetes can affect your oral health and the health of your gums in a number of ways. And it becomes important to take steps to protect your oral health. Now, it’s time to take better care of your oral health along with your diabetes management, every day. 

Also Read: Why Does Mouthwash Burn? Decoding Oral Health Mysteries

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

World Diabetes Day – Help Your Family Member Defeat Diabetes!

India is the diabetes capital of the world with over 70 million cases being reported every year. One of the main reasons  for this is the lack of awareness about diabetes in the country. World Diabetes Day is an event to make the public aware of the dangers of diabetes.

The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) has decided that the theme of World Diabetes Day this year will be ‘Family and Diabetes’. The focus is on how one’s family can support and help someone who has been diagnosed with Diabetes manage it better. 

We all know that diabetes is a complicated disorder. It requires time, patience and discipline to defeat the disease. And in such difficult times, isn’t family the best support system? 

Here are 7 ways you can help a loved one manage diabetes better.

 1. Educate Yourself

What is the first step in fighting diabetes? Learning everything about it. It is important to know answers to questions like – What type of diabetes is it? How does it affect a person? What complications can arise? What to eat? What exercises are safe for a diabetic? 

Many myths are surrounding this disorder that you have to brush away. If you are well informed about diabetes, you will be able to guide your loved ones correctly on their path to recovery.

 2. Keep a tab on their blood sugar level

Is your loved one monitoring his blood sugar level? Diabetes patients have to constantly monitor their blood sugar level. You can help them pick a blood sugar test package so that they are aware of their current blood sugar level.

 3. Remind them to take their medicines

People with diabetes may need insulin shots every day. Or they may have to take pills or capsules. Since diabetes treatment is long-term, your family member might forget to take the medicines now and then. But even one missed dose can be dangerous. How can you prevent that? Simple, you can set alarms for them to remind them that it’s time for their medication.

02

 4. Help them with the injections

Some people feel uncomfortable pushing the needle into their own veins. It’s perfectly natural. In that case, you can learn how to do it and administer the insulin shots to them every day.

 5. Self-testing kits for your loved one

Want an instant blood sugar reading? A blood sugar testing kit can help! These easy to use portable kits are useful if getting a lab test is difficult.

Also Read: Are Bananas Good for Diabetics? A Research-Based Analysis

  6.  Urge them to eat healthily

Is your loved one fond of sweets? Diabetics should never eat sugary treats. But eliminating them completely from the diet can really upset a person. What can you do? You can use healthier sugar substitutes.

Read More: Diet Tips For Managing Diabetes

 7. You can exercise together

Who wants to exercise alone? It’s boring. So, you can accompany your loved ones during workouts and motivate them to give their best. Losing weight and vigorous physical activity can stabilize blood sugar levels. Read more about the health benefits of exercise.  

03

The support you give to your family members can help immensely in his fight against diabetes. Help them live an active and healthy life with your support.

Read More: 5 Effective Ways to Control Diabetes

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.