Lever
Lifestyle
- Increase physical activity
- Reduce body weight
- Manage stress
- Improve sleep quality
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 insulin and glucose levels.
Reference Ranges
Reference
0.5–2.9unitless
0.5
1.9
2.9
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · unitlessFasting is required. Values may vary by age, sex, and population.
Overview
Übersicht
HOMA-IR, or Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance, is a mathematical model used to estimate insulin resistance, a condition where cells in the body become less responsive to insulin. This marker is calculated using fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, providing a measure of how effectively the body utilizes 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, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Elevated HOMA-IR values indicate higher insulin resistance, which can lead to impaired glucose metabolism and increased risk of metabolic disorders. In the context of athletic performance, biohacking, or longevity, maintaining optimal insulin sensitivity is crucial for metabolic health, energy efficiency, and reducing the risk of age-related diseases. Insulin resistance can impair muscle glucose uptake, affecting performance and recovery. However, HOMA-IR values can be influenced by various factors, including acute stress, illness, or recent physical activity. Fasting is required for accurate measurement, and time of day may affect insulin levels. Researchers have found that lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, can significantly impact HOMA-IR values, highlighting the importance of these factors in managing insulin resistance.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated HOMA-IR values indicate increased insulin resistance, which is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, 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. Retesting is recommended every 3-6 months if values are outside the optimal range.
Falling Values
Progressively falling HOMA-IR values indicate improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.
Re-test Interval
3-6 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
- Improved diet
- Regular physical activity
- Weight loss
- Use of insulin-sensitizing medications
- Fasting or caloric restriction
- Improved sleep quality
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Adopt a low-carbohydrate diet
- Increase fiber intake
- Consume healthy fats
- Limit sugar intake
Lever
Supplementation
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Magnesium
- Berberine
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Testing Guidelines
🍽️Fasting Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Test in the morning after an overnight fast for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for individuals with risk factors for insulin resistance.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Acute illness
- Stress
- Medications affecting insulin
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 in depression, remains debated, especially regarding reference ranges and the impact of confounding factors like age and sex. Emerging research directions include the exploration of dietary interventions, such as ketogenic diets, on HOMA-IR levels in psychiatric populations. However, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the long-term implications of HOMA-IR changes on treatment outcomes and the specific metabolic subtypes of depression.
20 Research Publications
1,204
Total Citations
13
Human/RCT
4.6
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
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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-AnalysisInfluence1.0
134
This study examined the relationship between insulin resistance and depression. Researchers found that insulin levels and the HOMA-IR index were increased during acute depression, but not during remission. The findings suggest that assessing insulin resistance could be useful in diagnosing and selecting treatments for individuals with depression.
03Top
#03
Ketogenic Diet Intervention on Metabolic and Psychiatric Health in Bipolar and Schizophrenia: A Pilot Trial.
HumanInfluence9.0
122
This pilot trial investigated the effects of a ketogenic diet on metabolic and psychiatric health in individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Researchers observed a significant 27% decrease in HOMA-IR and improvements in metabolic health metrics, alongside reductions in psychiatric symptoms. The results indicate potential benefits of ketogenic dietary treatment for serious mental illness.
04
#04
Association of Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Lung Health: A Population-Based Study.
Wu Tianshi David, et al. · Chest · 2021
HumanInfluence7.0
109
This population-based study explored the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and lung health. Researchers found a moderate correlation between TyG and HOMA-IR, suggesting TyG could serve as a measure of metabolic dysfunction related to respiratory symptoms and chronic lung disease. The study indicates that TyG may be relevant for assessing lung health outcomes.
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
103
This review examined the benefits and adverse effects of histidine supplementation. Researchers observed that histidine intake was associated with decreased HOMA-IR and improved markers of glucose homeostasis. The findings suggest potential metabolic benefits of histidine, although further research is needed to clarify its effects.
06
#06
The Triglyceride/HDL Ratio as a Surrogate Biomarker for Insulin Resistance.
ReviewInfluence3.0
65
This review assessed the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio as a surrogate biomarker for insulin resistance. Researchers found that the TG/HDL ratio correlates with HOMA-IR across diverse populations, suggesting it could serve as a simple and accessible marker for insulin resistance. The study emphasizes the need for further research on tailored cutoffs.
07
#07
Calorie restriction reduces biomarkers of cellular senescence in humans.
Human
58
This study tested the effects of calorie restriction on biomarkers of cellular senescence. Researchers observed that moderate calorie restriction significantly reduced HOMA-IR and other senescence biomarkers over 12 and 24 months. The results support the link between dietary interventions and metabolic health improvements.
08
#08
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.
09
#09
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
33
This research assessed the relationship between serum thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS) severity. Researchers found that elevated TSP2 levels were significantly associated with MetS and correlated with HOMA-IR. The study suggests TSP2 could be a promising biomarker for identifying at-risk patients with metabolic complications.
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.
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 (1)
1
Total Trials
200
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)
Publication Trend
Research publications about HOMA-IR over time
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