Metabolic health

Insulin Resistance

The ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol, an indirect but well-studied proxy for insulin resistance that needs no insulin test.

Why it matters

When the body becomes insulin resistant, triglycerides tend to climb while HDL falls, so this ratio often shifts before glucose does.

If it runs high

A higher ratio is associated with insulin resistance and a more atherogenic (artery-unfriendly) lipid pattern.

If it runs low

A lower ratio generally reflects good metabolic health, triglycerides in check and protective HDL holding up.

Reference ranges vary by sex, age, and laboratory, your BetterBuy Rx Labs report plots your value on the range that applies to you. A single out-of-range result is a prompt to talk to your clinician, not a diagnosis.

Average Blood Sugar
Estimated Average Glucose (eAG)
Glucose
Fasting Insulin
HOMA-IR
Body Composition

See panels that test Insulin Resistance

Insulin Resistance

Why it matters

If it runs high

If it runs low

Related markers