Below is a brief description of the various terms and there is more information under the insulin connection section. There are some other testing methods used. Another method is doing a glucose tolerance test and checking insulin along with blood sugar. If the insulin level at 2 hours is 5 times the fasting level, insulin resistance is diagnosed. The most common testing is the fasting level.
Central obesity is considered a risk factor for insulin resistance.
Hyperinsulinemia is when insulin levels are high in relation to glucose levels. It goes along with insulin resistance. Hyperinsulinemia in PCOS correlates with increased cardiovascular risk independent of obesity. This level may signal insulin resistance and is a future risk factor for diabetes. This indicates a future risk factor for diabetes.