HOMA-IR
'Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance.' A calculated score using Fasting Insulin and Fasting Glucose to detect early-stage metabolic dysfunction.
Deep Dive
Standard blood tests typically only measure Glucose (blood sugar). By the time fasting glucose is elevated above the reference range, you may have been metabolically dysfunctional for years. This is because the body compensates by producing more and more insulin to keep glucose in check — until the pancreas can no longer keep up.
HOMA-IR is a superior marker because it factors in Fasting Insulin levels alongside Fasting Glucose, using the formula: (Fasting Insulin × Fasting Glucose) ÷ 405. This calculation can detect Insulin Resistance 5–10 years before it shows up on a standard blood test, providing a critical early-warning window for intervention.
An optimal HOMA-IR score is below 1.0. Scores between 1.0 and 2.0 indicate early insulin resistance. Scores above 2.0 suggest significant metabolic dysfunction that requires immediate dietary and lifestyle intervention. Tracking HOMA-IR over time is one of the most powerful tools for monitoring metabolic health and preventing the progression to Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration.