Quick Facts
- Sample: Single blood draw (0.5 mL serum)
- Fasting: 10–12 hours required
- Turn-around time: 5-10 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection advantage: Identifies insulin resistance up to 10 years before diabetes develops
- Advanced scoring system: Generates 0-100 probability score using validated Stanford University algorithm
- Superior accuracy: Outperforms traditional HOMA-IR and individual insulin measurements alone
- Actionable insights: Enables lifestyle interventions when they're most effective
- Comprehensive assessment: Measures both fasting insulin and C-peptide via precise LC/MS/MS technology
- No doctor required: Direct access to specialized testing for proactive health monitoring
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes
- Individuals with normal glucose/HbA1c but metabolic risk factors
- People with PCOS, fatty liver disease, or metabolic syndrome
- Those with unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Adults with hypertension, high triglycerides, or low HDL cholesterol
- Health-conscious individuals seeking early disease prevention strategies
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Fast overnight (10-12 hours) and visit any Walk-In Lab location for blood collection
- Results processed using advanced LC/MS/MS technology at certified laboratories within 5-10 business days
- Review your score with healthcare provider to develop personalized prevention or treatment plan
FAQ
What makes this test different from regular glucose testing? This panel detects insulin resistance years before glucose levels become abnormal, providing crucial early intervention opportunities.
Do I need a doctor's order for this test? No, you can order directly through Walk-In Lab without a physician referral or prescription.
What if my glucose and HbA1c are normal? Normal glucose doesn't rule out insulin resistance—40% of young adults have insulin resistance with normal glucose levels (UAB Research 2022).
How accurate is the insulin resistance score? The scoring algorithm was validated in 535 participants at Stanford University, demonstrating superior performance compared to traditional markers (Stanford Study 2018).
Can I take my regular medications before the test? Continue regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise, but avoid biotin supplements for 12 hours before testing.
What should I do if my score is elevated? Discuss results with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan including diet, exercise, and possible additional monitoring.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Cardio-IQ Insulin Resistance Panel evaluates your risk of insulin resistance before prediabetes or diabetes develops. Using advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), it measures fasting insulin and C-peptide levels to generate a proprietary 0-100 probability score. This validated algorithm can detect metabolic dysfunction up to 10 years before traditional glucose markers become abnormal.
Research shows that 80% of beta-cell function is already lost by the time diabetes becomes evident through conventional testing, making early detection critical for effective intervention.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for adults with insulin resistance risk factors, even when glucose levels appear normal. Key candidates include individuals with family history of diabetes, obesity (BMI ≥30), PCOS, metabolic syndrome, or cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension and abnormal cholesterol levels (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Given that approximately 40% of young American adults have insulin resistance—with rates reaching 53.8% in Mexican Americans—screening is especially important for high-risk populations seeking proactive health management (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2022).
When should I order Cardio-IQ Insulin Resistance Panel?
Consider this test when traditional glucose and HbA1c results are normal but insulin resistance risk factors are present. It's ideal for establishing baseline metabolic health, monitoring high-risk individuals, or investigating unexplained symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, or difficulty losing weight.
The test provides crucial early intervention opportunities when lifestyle modifications are most effective—before irreversible beta-cell damage occurs.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results include a probability-based insulin resistance score from 0-100, validated against the gold standard insulin suppression test:
Score <33:
- Meaning: Normal insulin sensitivity
- Typical action: Continue healthy lifestyle habits
Score 33–66:
- Meaning: Moderate risk (4× higher likelihood)
- Typical action: Implement preventive lifestyle changes
Score >66:
- Meaning: High risk (15× higher likelihood)
- Typical action: Aggressive intervention and close monitoring
Scores are based on Stanford University research in 535 participants and demonstrate superior discrimination compared to individual biomarker measurements (Stanford Study 2018).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 10-12 hours before blood collection—water is permitted. Avoid biotin supplements for 12 hours prior to testing. Maintain your normal diet for two weeks before the test to ensure accurate results. Continue taking regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
The test requires a single blood draw (0.5 mL serum) collected in a serum gel or red-top tube.
How often should I get tested?
- Normal score (<33): Screen every 2–3 years if risk factors are present
- Moderate risk (33–66): Screen annually with lifestyle monitoring
- High risk (>66): Screen every 6–12 months during intervention
- Family history of diabetes: Screen every 1–2 years starting at age 35
Why early detection matters
Recent research links insulin resistance to 31 different diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions, with women showing 11% higher risk of early death (Medical Research 2024). Early detection enables lifestyle interventions that can improve insulin resistance markers by 18-31% when initiated before prediabetes develops.
Since insulin resistance begins years before symptoms appear, proactive screening provides the best opportunity for prevention and optimal health outcomes.
Related tests you may consider
Hemoglobin (Hb) A1c Blood Test - Calculates the average blood glucose levels over 2-3 months, making it an ideal diagnostic tool for diabetes management.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Test - Evaluate nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
Apolipoprotein B Blood Test- Determines the level of apolipoprotein B in the blood, which helps assess an individual's likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Blood Test, High Sensitivity, Cardiac Risk Assessment - Checks for tiny amounts of inflammation in the body to help predict the risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, even in people with normal cholesterol levels.
