What does the Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance Score test measure?

Why is Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance Score measured?

The LP-IR score is a validated marker of insulin resistance and correlates reasonably with clamp-derived measures and with incident type 2 diabetes in cohort studies. Its practical value is that it is derived from the same scan at no additional collection burden, and it may identify insulin resistance in patients whose fasting glucose and HbA1c remain normal. It does not replace established assessment: fasting glucose, HbA1c, and where indicated an oral glucose tolerance test remain the diagnostic tests for dysglycaemia, and LP-IR is not a diagnostic criterion for insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Scored from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating greater insulin resistance; approximately <45 is often cited as favourable

Functional medicine optimal

Lower scores are favourable, though no validated treatment target exists and the score is not established as a therapeutic endpoint

Units

score, 0–100

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.