What does ISI mean in PHYSIOLOGY

The Insulin Sensitivity Index (ISI) is a measure of how sensitive the body's tissues are to the hormone insulin, which helps regulate glucose levels in the bloodstream. A higher ISI indicates a greater sensitivity to insulin and therefore lower amounts of insulin needed to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

The ISI is important because it gives insight into how much insulin is required to maintain healthy glucose levels in people with diabetes. Having an understanding of your individual ISIs can help you work with your healthcare team to adjust your dosage accordingly and ensure optimal care for you or your loved one's diabetes.

To calculate ISI, one compares the amount of glucose in their bloodstream after eating a meal containing carbohydrates with the amount of glucose after taking prescribed doses of insulin. This comparison will reveal one's ISI value, which can range from 0-10. The higher this number, the more sensitive someone is to insulin, and so typically lower amounts of medication will be needed during treatment.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should talk to their doctor about getting tested for their individual ISIs as part of their diabetes management plan. Those who are newly diagnosed may need more frequent testing as adjusting medications may take some time to find the right balance for anyone's individual needs.

That depends on individual circumstances and the advice from your doctor; however, it's generally recommended that people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes get their ISIs tested at least once per year and potentially more frequently if they start new medications or experience changes in any other factors related to their disease management plan (e.g., diet, exercise habits).