HOMA-IR (Insulin Resistance Index)
A calculated score measuring insulin resistance using fasting glucose and insulin. Higher values indicate greater insulin resistance.
What is HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) is a calculated score that estimates insulin resistance using fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels.
Formula: HOMA-IR = (Fasting Insulin × Fasting Glucose) / 405
It provides a single number representing how hard your pancreas is working to keep blood sugar normal.
Normal Ranges
| HOMA-IR | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below 1.0 | Optimal insulin sensitivity |
| 1.0–1.9 | Normal |
| 2.0–2.9 | Early insulin resistance |
| Above 3.0 | Significant insulin resistance |
Why It Matters
Early Metabolic Warning
HOMA-IR detects insulin resistance years before blood sugar rises. This provides an opportunity for intervention.
Diabetes Risk Prediction
Higher HOMA-IR strongly predicts progression to type 2 diabetes. Tracking it over time shows whether lifestyle changes are working.
Beyond Blood Sugar
Insulin resistance is linked to:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Fatty liver disease
- PCOS
- Certain cancers
Improving HOMA-IR
- Reduce carbohydrate intake — Especially refined carbs
- Regular exercise — Improves insulin sensitivity
- Weight loss — Even 5–10% improvement helps
- Adequate sleep
- Stress management
Limitations
HOMA-IR is a surrogate marker. It's less accurate in:
- People with very low or very high insulin
- Those taking diabetes medications
- During acute illness
Related Biomarkers
Track this biomarker with Vidanis
Upload your lab results and let AI analyze trends over time.
Join the Waitlist