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Blutwerte · Marker
HOMA-IR
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance · Insulin-Resistenz-Index
Stoffwechsel & GlukoseNüchtern erforderlichZeitabhängig
- Einheit:
- unitless
HOMA-IR quantifies insulin resistance by assessing fasting glucose and insulin levels.
Reference Ranges
Reference
0.5–2.9unitless
0.5
1.9
2.9
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · unitlessFasting is required for accurate measurement. Values may vary slightly based on population and laboratory standards.
Overview
Übersicht
The Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) is a widely used method for assessing insulin resistance, a condition where cells in the body become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. It is calculated using fasting glucose and insulin levels, providing a measure of how effectively the body is utilizing insulin. Clinically, HOMA-IR is significant as it reflects insulin resistance, which is a key component of metabolic syndrome and is associated with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain psychiatric disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. Researchers found that elevated HOMA-IR levels are linked to acute episodes of depression and can serve as a diagnostic tool for metabolic subtypes of depression. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, maintaining optimal insulin sensitivity is crucial for energy utilization and metabolic health. Lower HOMA-IR values are often targeted by athletes and biohackers to enhance performance and longevity, as insulin resistance can impair glucose metabolism and energy efficiency. However, various factors can influence HOMA-IR results, including fasting status, time of day, and recent physical activity. It is essential to conduct the test under standardized conditions, typically requiring an overnight fast, to ensure accurate and comparable results. Researchers observed that lifestyle interventions, such as ketogenic diets, can significantly reduce HOMA-IR, highlighting its potential for metabolic health improvement.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated HOMA-IR values indicate insulin resistance, which is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Reduced values suggest improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising HOMA-IR values suggest worsening insulin resistance. Re-test in 3 months if values continue to rise.
Falling Values
Progressively falling values indicate improving insulin sensitivity.
Re-test Interval
3 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High carbohydrate diet
- Chronic stress
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Cushing's syndrome
Cause
Low Levels
- Caloric restriction
- Regular physical activity
- Low carbohydrate diet
- Improved metabolic health
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Adopt a low carbohydrate diet
- Increase fiber intake
- Consume healthy fats
Lever
Supplementation
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Magnesium
- Berberine
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Testing Guidelines
🍽️Fasting Required
🕐Time-Sensitive
Conduct the test in the morning after an overnight fast for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for individuals with risk factors, more frequently if managing insulin resistance.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Acute illness
- Stress
Related Peptides & Hormones
Insulin
hormone or peptideDirectly measures
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the relationship between HOMA-IR and various psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, remains debated, especially regarding reference ranges and the impact of confounders like medication and metabolic status. Emerging research directions include exploring the utility of HOMA-IR in precision psychiatry and its role in treatment selection. However, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the long-term implications of HOMA-IR changes on mental health outcomes and its effectiveness as a diagnostic tool in different populations.
21 Research Publications
1,237
Total Citations
14
Human/RCT
4.7
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Estrogen: a master regulator of bioenergetic systems in the brain and body.
ReviewInfluence15.0
475
Researchers studied the role of estrogen as a regulator of metabolic health in women. They found that estrogen helps protect against insulin resistance and type II diabetes, with its decline during menopause linked to metabolic dysfunction. The study suggests that monitoring peripheral metabolic changes could help identify women at risk for cognitive decline.
02Top
#02
Insulin resistance in depression: A large meta-analysis of metabolic parameters and variation.
Meta-AnalysisInfluence2.0
143
This study examined the relationship between insulin resistance and depression through a meta-analysis of 70 studies involving over 240,000 participants. Researchers found that insulin resistance, measured by the HOMA-IR index, was significantly increased during acute episodes of depression but did not change during remission. They also noted higher variation in insulin levels among individuals with depression compared to controls.
03Top
#03
Ketogenic Diet Intervention on Metabolic and Psychiatric Health in Bipolar and Schizophrenia: A Pilot Trial.
HumanInfluence9.0
128
Researchers conducted a pilot study to explore the effects of a ketogenic diet on metabolic and psychiatric health in individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. They found a significant 27% reduction in HOMA-IR levels and improvements in metabolic health indicators after four months. Additionally, participants reported enhanced psychiatric outcomes, including increased life satisfaction and improved sleep quality.
04
#04
Association of Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Lung Health: A Population-Based Study.
Wu Tianshi David, et al. · Chest · 2021
HumanInfluence7.0
112
This study investigated the association between the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and lung health using data from a national survey. Researchers found a moderate correlation between TyG and HOMA-IR, indicating that higher TyG levels were associated with increased respiratory symptoms and chronic lung disease. The findings suggest that TyG may serve as a useful measure of metabolic dysfunction related to lung health.
Key findings
- 01Higher TyG levels were linked to increased odds of cough, phlegm production, wheeze, and exertional dyspnea.
- 02TyG was associated with a higher risk of chronic bronchitis.
- 03The study suggests that TyG may serve as a useful measure of metabolic dysfunction related to lung health.
05
#05
Benefits and Adverse Effects of Histidine Supplementation.
ReviewInfluence2.0
104
This review examined the benefits and adverse effects of histidine supplementation. Researchers noted that increased histidine intake was associated with decreased HOMA-IR and improved markers of glucose homeostasis. However, the effects of high doses of histidine on health remain unclear and require further investigation.
06
#06
The Triglyceride/HDL Ratio as a Surrogate Biomarker for Insulin Resistance.
ReviewInfluence3.0
67
Researchers reviewed the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio as a potential surrogate biomarker for insulin resistance. The analysis of 32 studies indicated that the TG/HDL ratio varies in predictive power across different ethnicities and genders, suggesting specific cutoffs for better accuracy. This study supports the TG/HDL ratio as a simple and accessible marker for insulin resistance.
07
#07
Calorie restriction reduces biomarkers of cellular senescence in humans.
Human
59
Researchers investigated the effects of calorie restriction on biomarkers of cellular senescence in healthy individuals. They found that moderate calorie restriction significantly reduced levels of several senescence biomarkers and positively influenced HOMA-IR and insulin sensitivity. These findings support the potential of calorie restriction as a strategy for improving metabolic health.
08
#08
Serum Thrombospondin-2 Levels Are Closely Associated With the Severity of Metabolic Syndrome and Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease.
Wu Xuerui, et al. · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2022
HumanInfluence3.0
34
This study assessed the association between serum thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) levels and the severity of metabolic syndrome and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in individuals with obesity. Researchers found elevated TSP2 levels correlated with increased insulin resistance, as measured by HOMA-IR, and identified TSP2 as a promising noninvasive biomarker for differentiating at-risk metabolic conditions.
Key findings
- 01Serum thrombospondin-2 levels were significantly higher in individuals with metabolic syndrome compared to those without.
- 02Elevated thrombospondin-2 levels were associated with increased severity of liver inflammation and damage.
- 03The protein effectively distinguished between more severe liver conditions and less severe forms in obese patients.
09
#09
Obesity-Related Biomarkers Are Associated With Exercise Intolerance and HFpEF.
Ramirez Mariana F, et al. · Circulation. Heart failure · 2023
HumanInfluence2.0
34
This study examined the association between obesity-related biomarkers, including HOMA-IR, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Researchers found that higher levels of HOMA-IR were associated with increased odds of HFpEF and impaired exercise capacity. The findings highlight the role of insulin resistance in cardiovascular outcomes related to obesity.
Key findings
- 01Researchers observed a connection between obesity-related biomarkers and impaired exercise capacity in patients with HFpEF.
- 02Specific pathways involving inflammation and adipokine signaling were identified as potential mechanisms linking obesity to heart failure.
- 03The study involved patients with chronic dyspnea and normal heart function, emphasizing the impact of obesity on exercise performance.
10
#10
A variation in NOS1AP gene is associated with repaglinide efficacy on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes of Chinese.
HumanInfluence3.0
29
This study explored the association between a genetic variant and the efficacy of repaglinide in treating insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Researchers found significant differences in HOMA-IR levels among different genotypes after treatment. The results indicate that genetic factors may influence treatment outcomes for insulin resistance.
Clinical Trials (4)
4
Total Trials
469
Total Enrolled
Effectiveness of the Personalized Responses & Integrated Systems for Metabolism (PRISM) on Improving Insulin Resistance Among Adults With Metabolic Syndrome: A Pilot Study (PRISM-I)
NCT07710274NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sponsor
National University Health System, Singapore
Enrollment
200
Started
2026
Primary outcome
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)
Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)
Effect of Levocarnitine Plus Myoinositol Versus Myoinositol Alone on Hormonal and Insulin Resistance in PCOS Women
NCT07266259RECRUITING
Sponsor
Mst.Sumyara Khatun
Enrollment
72
Started
2025
Primary outcome
Change in homeostatic model assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Effects of Yoghurt Consumption on Glucose Metabolism in Prediabetic Subjects
NCT06836752TERMINATED
Sponsor
Danone Global Research & Innovation Center
Enrollment
8
Started
2025
Primary outcome
Change in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) calculated as fasting serum insulin (FSI) levels (mU/L) multiplied by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels (mmol/L) divided by 22.5.
Prediabetes
Is Fat in the Liver a Marker of Post-Pregnancy Glycaemic Deterioration in Women With Gestational Diabetes?
NCT04362540ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Sponsor
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
Enrollment
189
Started
2019
Primary outcome
The primary outcome measure for the study will be the mean difference in values of the HOMA-IR (as a surrogate for insulin resistance) in those with NAFLD vs. those without NAFLD 6-12 weeks post partum
Gestational Diabetes
Publication Trend
Research publications about HOMA-IR over time
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