Methods of measuring insulin sensitivity

Insulin resistance is a component of several health disorders, most notably impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin-resistant individuals have an impaired biological response to the usual action of insulin; that is, they have reduced insulin sensitivity. Various methods are used to assess insulin sensitivity both in individuals and in study populations. Validity, reproducibility, cost, and degree of subject burden arc, important factors for both clinicians and researchers to consider when weighing the merits of a particular method. This article describes several in vivo methods used to assess insulin sensitivity and presents the advantages and disadvantages of each.