HOMA-index
MetabolismThe HOMA index estimates insulin resistance using fasting glucose and insulin values.
Reference range
Source: Ahead Health benchmark
Reference ranges may vary between labs and assays. Always interpret results with your healthcare provider.
Why this matters
HOMA-IR identifies insulin resistance years before diabetes develops, when lifestyle interventions are most effective. Elevated values indicate cells are becoming resistant to insulin's effects, forcing the pancreas to produce more insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. This early metabolic dysfunction underlies many conditions including type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, PCOS, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. By detecting insulin resistance early, HOMA-IR enables targeted interventions through weight loss, exercise, dietary changes, and stress management to restore insulin sensitivity and prevent progression to diabetes.
How this connects to other biomarkers
- HOMA-Index (Fasting Glucose × Fasting Insulin / 22.5) > 2.5 suggests insulin resistance; > 5 indicates significant resistance and elevated metabolic risk.
- High HOMA with elevated Triglycerides, low HDL Cholesterol, central obesity, and elevated Liver fat fraction (%PDFF) defines metabolic syndrome.
- HOMA falls with weight loss, exercise, and metformin; track alongside HbA1c (NGSP) and Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) Index to monitor response.
Included in
Ready to check your health?
Get a comprehensive view of your biomarkers with our advanced check-up packages.