Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular exercise
- Weight management
- Stress reduction
- Adequate sleep
Blutwerte · Marker
HOMA-IR
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance · Insulin-Resistenz-Index
Stoffwechsel & GlukoseNüchtern erforderlich
- Einheit:
- unitless
HOMA-IR quantifies insulin resistance by assessing fasting blood glucose and insulin levels.
Reference Ranges
Reference
0.5–2.9unitless
0.5
1.9
2.9
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · unitlessReference ranges may vary slightly based on population and laboratory standards. Fasting is required for accurate measurement.
Overview
Übersicht
The Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) is a widely used biomarker for assessing insulin resistance, a condition where cells in the body become less responsive to insulin. It is calculated using fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, providing an estimate of insulin sensitivity. Researchers have found that HOMA-IR is a reliable indicator of metabolic dysfunction, often used in studies examining conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Clinically, HOMA-IR is important as it reflects the body's ability to regulate glucose levels effectively. Elevated HOMA-IR values are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. It is also being studied in relation to psychiatric conditions like depression and bipolar disorder, where insulin resistance may play a role in the metabolic subtype of these diseases. For athletes and biohackers, monitoring HOMA-IR can provide insights into metabolic health and the effectiveness of interventions like diet and exercise in improving insulin sensitivity. Longevity research also considers insulin resistance a key factor, with interventions like calorie restriction showing potential in reducing HOMA-IR levels. However, there are caveats to consider. HOMA-IR requires fasting blood samples for accurate measurement, and factors such as time of day, recent physical activity, and acute illness can affect results. Researchers emphasize the importance of standardizing testing conditions to ensure reliable data.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated HOMA-IR values indicate insulin resistance, which is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Lower values suggest better insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising HOMA-IR values suggest worsening insulin resistance, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Re-test recommended every 3 months if rising.
Falling Values
Progressively falling HOMA-IR values indicate improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.
Re-test Interval
3 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High carbohydrate diet
Cause
Low Levels
- Calorie restriction
- Regular physical activity
- Low carbohydrate diet
- Weight loss
- Improved insulin sensitivity
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Low glycemic index foods
- High fiber diet
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Reduced sugar intake
Lever
Supplementation
- Berberine
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Magnesium
- Chromium
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if taking medications for diabetes or other conditions.
Testing Guidelines
🍽️Fasting Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Test in the morning after an overnight fast for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome, more frequently if undergoing treatment for insulin resistance.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Acute illness
- Stress
- Medication use
Related Peptides & Hormones
Insulin
hormone or peptideDirectly measures
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that while HOMA-IR is widely used to assess insulin resistance, reference ranges and optimal targets remain debated, particularly across different ethnicities and sexes. Researchers have not yet established tailored cutoffs for HOMA-IR that account for these variations. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the long-term implications of HOMA-IR changes in psychiatric disorders and the effectiveness of dietary interventions on insulin resistance in diverse populations.
38 Research Publications
1,368
Total Citations
30
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
149
This meta-analysis investigated insulin resistance in individuals with depression. Researchers found that insulin levels and HOMA-IR were increased during acute depression but did not change during remission, suggesting a potential metabolic subtype of depression.
03Top
#03
Ketogenic Diet Intervention on Metabolic and Psychiatric Health in Bipolar and Schizophrenia: A Pilot Trial.
HumanInfluence9.0
132
This pilot study explored the effects of a ketogenic diet on metabolic health in individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Researchers observed a significant reduction in HOMA-IR and improvements in psychiatric health metrics among participants adhering to the diet.
04
#04
Association of Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Lung Health: A Population-Based Study.
Wu Tianshi David, et al. · Chest · 2021
HumanInfluence7.0
114
This study examined the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and lung health. Researchers found that higher TyG levels were associated with increased odds of respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis, and TyG was moderately correlated with HOMA-IR, indicating a link between metabolic dysfunction and 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
Effects of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg on C-reactive protein in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1, 2, and 3): Exploratory analyses of three randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials.
HumanInfluence5.0
80
This study examined the effects of semaglutide on C-reactive protein levels in adults with obesity. Researchers observed significant reductions in CRP levels, which correlated with reductions in HOMA-IR, indicating a potential anti-inflammatory effect of semaglutide in managing obesity.
07
#07
The Triglyceride/HDL Ratio as a Surrogate Biomarker for Insulin Resistance.
ReviewInfluence5.0
75
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 could effectively indicate insulin resistance, with varying predictive power across different ethnicities and genders.
08
#08
Calorie restriction reduces biomarkers of cellular senescence in humans.
Human
59
This study tested the effects of calorie restriction on biomarkers of aging. Researchers found that moderate calorie restriction significantly reduced HOMA-IR and other biomarkers of cellular senescence, suggesting a link between aging and metabolic health.
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
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.
Clinical Trials (11)
11
Total Trials
952
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)
Effects of Sabroxy® Supplementation on Insulin Resistance and Cognitive Function in Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Insulin Resistance
NCT07220694RECRUITING
Sponsor
SF Research Institute, Inc.
Enrollment
140
Started
2026
Primary outcome
Change in Insulin Resistance as Assessed by HOMA-IR
Insulin ResistanceMild Cognitive ImpairmentCognitive DeclineNeurodegenerative Disorders
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
The Effect of Curcumin on the Development of Prednisolone-induced Hepatic Insulin Resistance
NCT04315350TERMINATED
Sponsor
University Hospital, Gentofte, Copenhagen
Enrollment
24
Started
2019
Primary outcome
HOMA-IR
Insulin ResistanceNon-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Effectiveness of Antidiabetic Treatment Applied in Childhood Obesity
Sponsor
HÜMEYRA ACIKAN
Enrollment
52
Started
2019
Primary outcome
Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) level
Childhood ObesityInsulin Resistance
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
Effects of Exercise During Gestation on Maternal and Foetal Health
NCT02582567COMPLETED
Sponsor
Universidad de Granada
Enrollment
140
Started
2015
Primary outcome
Insulin sensitivity derived from the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)
Pregnancy
The Predictive Role of Preoperative Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) in Metabolic and Inflammatory Outcomes After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
NCT07241741COMPLETED
Sponsor
Istanbul University
Enrollment
23
Started
2015
Primary outcome
Change in HOMA-IR from baseline to 6 months
ObesityMetabolic SyndromeInsulin ResistanceInflammationRoux en Y Gastric BypassChronic InflammationC-Reactive ProteinInterleukin-6
Effect of Pravastatin in the Subjects With Prediabetes or Early Diabetes
Sponsor
Samsung Medical Center
Enrollment
44
Started
2014
Primary outcome
Insulin resistance assessed by HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment index for insulin resistance)
Diabetes MellitusPrediabetic State
The Effect of Whole Grain on Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Health
NCT01731366UNKNOWN
Sponsor
University of Copenhagen
Enrollment
60
Started
2012
Primary outcome
HOMA-IR
Metabolic DiseaseInjury of Gastrointestinal Tract
Publication Trend
Research publications about HOMA-IR over time
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