Glucose-Insulin Stress Test (GIST™)
- Description
- Instructions
The Glucose-Insulin Stress Test (GIST™) is an oral glucose tolerance test with simultaneous glucose, insulin, and c-peptide values to quantify: glucose response, insulin sensitivity, and beta cell response. Further, based on the results, a report provides personalized restorative conservative, moderate, and intensive treatment options including lifestyle modification recommendations, and, when appropriate, pharmacologic options or surgical consideration. Follow up GIST reports reflect the success or failure of the current treatment plan.
8-10 hours of fasting (no food or drink except water) prior to appointment. Visit will be approximately 2 hours. After the initial lab draw (blood test),you will be given concentrated glucose (sugar) liquid to drink. Additional blood draws will be taken at 30, 60 and 120 minutes. You must remain in a resting state to get accurate test results. Responses to a brief health questionnaire will assist in the accurate determination of your metabolic health. Bring a snack to have after the completion of the test.
The Process
Order GIST™ test
Find a LabCorp near you
Have testing performed at LabCorp
Results emailed to you
Review results with your physician or healthcare provider
What does each section mean?
Walk me through the results
The “GIST™” report provides 4 insights
Does your body need more insulin than normal to use sugar for energy?
>25th= Normal Sensitivity
5th –25th= Insulin Resistance
<5th= Severe Insulin Resistance
Are the cells that make insulin wearing down?
They can improve if given a chance.
>70% = Normal
~50% = Close to Diabetes
~35% = Type 2 Diabetes
How well does your body control sugar?
About half your sugar comes from food, about half your liver makes.
Normal ?
Prediabetic? (How risky?)
Type 2 Diabetes?
(Lipids, CRP, and A1c too)
Improving lifestyle; Diet, Weight Loss, Exercise, Alcohol, Sleep is important for EVERYONE.
Robust is teaming up with others to help patients do their best naturally!
Sometimes in addition to Lifestyle, Medications are a consideration.
Moderate and intensive options* are provided if that is the approach you want to take (including medications and dosing)
*Based on peer-reviewed studies
The Science
Personalized treatments can restore normal physiology
Robust can measure changes in physiology years before conventional assessments
Although associated with obesity, insulin resistance can come in all shapes, ages, colors, and can be reversed!
Metabolic health and insulin resistance are not just about diabetes …and now you are in control!
Associated Diseases
Real People, Real Results
FAQ
Is the testing complicated?
The GIST involves a morning blood test (no food or drink other than water after midnight the night before) then you drink sugar solution. Blood tests are repeated at 30, 60, and 120 minutes. It is similar to the test for Gestational Diabetes in pregnancy.
How often should GIST testing be done?
If your initial GIST is normal the GIST does not need to be repeated unless labs, weight, or other changes in health indicate a possible shift in physiology. If the initial GIST is abnormal, a repeat study in 3-6 months can determine if the treatment plan is working.
Are there any precautions for the test I should be aware of?
It is good to bring a snack to eat after the test. This can prevent shakiness that can occur if blood sugar is low.
Is it hard to drink the test solution?
A 75 gram sugar solution is very sweet. Pro Tip: Bring a straw. This makes the solution much easier to drink quickly!
Should I take my usual medications before the test?
The test should be scheduled in the morning and medications should be taken after the test if possible.
Is the test covered by insurance?
At this time the GIST is not covered by insurance. We will continue to pursue coverage to help provide personalized preventive guidance for everyone.
Are the medications listed on the GIST report the only medications that can be used?
There are many medications or supplements that might be helpful. The GIST medications were selected based upon randomized controlled trials and observational studies in prediabetic patients from peer reviewed scientific journals.
Testimonials
"Ten years ago I was nearly diabetic and with GIST™ testing and treatment my physiology now remains normal"
“Even though I was labeled prediabetic by standard labs, the GIST™ showed that my physiology is normal and no treatment is necessary.”
”GIST testing has helped shape my personalized plan to stay healthy”