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Insulin Sensitivity Indices

Meaning

Insulin Sensitivity Indices are a collection of quantitative measures used in clinical endocrinology to assess how effectively a person’s cells respond to the signaling action of insulin, a key anabolic hormone. A higher index value indicates greater sensitivity, meaning less insulin is required to manage blood glucose levels, reflecting a healthier metabolic state. Conversely, lower indices suggest insulin resistance, a critical precursor to Type 2 diabetes and a core component of metabolic syndrome. These indices provide a crucial objective measure of metabolic health.