Breath Test Measures Insulin Resistance

A study has shown that a simple breath test for insulin resistance is as effective as the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, the standard method used. The results were published in the February 2004 issue of Diabetes Care.

The new test, called Diatest, was developed by Isotechnika, Inc. (Edmonton, Canada) to meet the need for a simple, reliable, cost-effective routine test for insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is preceded by a period of insulin resistance. Recent studies suggest that insulin resistance itself can lead to cardiovascular disease. Diatest provides an accurate way of detecting insulin resistance and monitoring the response to therapy. Isotechnika is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel immunosuppressive therapeutics that are safer than current treatments.

"Additionally, the current popularity and success of low carbohydrate diets may be linked to insulin resistance, particularly in middle-aged, overweight patients. The Diatest would thus provide a useful way to confirm insulin resistance in these individuals,” noted Dr. Richard Lewanczuk, director, division of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of Alberta (Canada), and a member of the study team.




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