In simple terms: how well your body’s cells respond to insulin; higher sensitivity is better.
Why it matters for PCOS
Insulin sensitivity describes how well cells respond to insulin to take up glucose from the blood. When sensitivity is low, the situation is called insulin resistance, and the body has to make more insulin to keep glucose normal. This matters in PCOS because many women have insulin resistance, and high insulin levels can push the ovaries to make more androgens, contributing to irregular cycles, acne, and excess hair growth.
No single routine test measures insulin sensitivity directly. Doctors usually assess it using fasting glucose, fasting insulin, or HbA1c, and sometimes calculate HOMA-IR, then interpret the results alongside your symptoms.
This glossary is education, not diagnosis. For your own situation, ask a doctor or pharmacist.