Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular physical activity
- 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 calculating the interaction between 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; ranges may vary slightly based on population and assay methods.
Overview
Übersicht
HOMA-IR, or Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance, is a widely used biomarker that quantifies insulin resistance by assessing the balance between fasting insulin and glucose levels. It provides an estimate of how effectively the body responds to insulin, a hormone crucial for glucose metabolism. Researchers have found that elevated HOMA-IR values are indicative of insulin resistance, a condition linked to various metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Clinically, HOMA-IR is significant as it helps in diagnosing and managing conditions associated with metabolic syndrome and can be a predictor of diabetes risk. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, maintaining optimal insulin sensitivity is crucial for efficient energy utilization and metabolic health, which can enhance physical performance and longevity. However, HOMA-IR values can be influenced by several factors, including fasting status, time of day, and acute stressors. It is essential to conduct the test under standardized conditions, typically requiring fasting, to ensure accurate results. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering these confounders when interpreting HOMA-IR values to avoid misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment decisions.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated HOMA-IR values indicate insulin resistance, which is associated with an increased risk of metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 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. Retest every 3-6 months if rising.
Falling Values
Falling HOMA-IR values indicate improving insulin sensitivity and better metabolic health.
Re-test Interval
6 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Metabolic syndrome
- Chronic stress
- Sedentary lifestyle
Cause
Low Levels
- High physical activity
- Low carbohydrate diet
- Ketogenic diet
- Caloric restriction
- Improved metabolic health
- Effective insulin sensitivity
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Low glycemic index foods
- High fiber intake
- Mediterranean diet
- Reduced sugar consumption
Lever
Supplementation
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Magnesium
- Berberine
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if on medication 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 those at risk of metabolic syndrome or diabetes.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Acute illness
- Stress
- Non-fasting state
Related Peptides & Hormones
Insulin
hormone or peptideDirectly measures
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the role of HOMA-IR in psychiatric disorders, particularly in depression, remains debated, with unclear reference ranges and the impact of confounders such as medication effects. Emerging research directions include exploring HOMA-IR's utility in precision psychiatry and its relationship with metabolic health in chronic conditions. However, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the optimal targets for HOMA-IR in various populations and its long-term implications for mental health outcomes.
19 Research Publications
1,040
Total Citations
13
Human/RCT
4.3
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-AnalysisInfluence1.0
124
This study examined the relationship between insulin resistance and depression across 70 studies involving over 240,000 participants. Researchers found that insulin resistance, measured by the HOMA-IR index, was increased during acute depression but did not change during remission. Additionally, insulin levels were higher in atypical depression compared to typical depression.
03Top
#03
Ketogenic Diet Intervention on Metabolic and Psychiatric Health in Bipolar and Schizophrenia: A Pilot Trial.
HumanInfluence7.0
105
This pilot study investigated the effects of a ketogenic diet on metabolic and psychiatric health in individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Researchers observed a significant 27% reduction in HOMA-IR and improvements in metabolic health, with no participants meeting metabolic syndrome criteria by the end of the study. Additionally, psychiatric symptoms showed notable reductions in severity.
04
#04
Association of Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Lung Health: A Population-Based Study.
Wu Tianshi David, et al. · Chest · 2021
HumanInfluence6.0
105
Researchers explored the association between the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and lung health in a population-based study. They found a moderate correlation between TyG and HOMA-IR, indicating that higher TyG levels were linked to increased respiratory symptoms and chronic lung disease. The study suggests that TyG could serve as a relevant 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
The Triglyceride/HDL Ratio as a Surrogate Biomarker for Insulin Resistance.
ReviewInfluence3.0
59
This review assessed the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio as a surrogate biomarker for insulin resistance. Researchers found that this ratio is a cost-effective and straightforward alternative to traditional biomarkers, with varying predictive power across different ethnicities and sexes. The study supports further research on tailored cutoffs for assessing insulin resistance.
06
#06
Calorie restriction reduces biomarkers of cellular senescence in humans.
Human
50
This study tested the effects of calorie restriction on biomarkers of cellular senescence in humans. Researchers observed that moderate calorie restriction significantly reduced biomarkers associated with aging and improved insulin sensitivity, as measured by HOMA-IR. The findings support the link between cellular senescence and metabolic health.
07
#07
Obesity-Related Biomarkers Are Associated With Exercise Intolerance and HFpEF.
Ramirez Mariana F, et al. · Circulation. Heart failure · 2023
HumanInfluence1.0
29
This study examined the association of obesity-related biomarkers, including HOMA-IR, with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Researchers found that higher levels of biomarkers like leptin and CRP were linked to increased odds of HFpEF and impaired exercise capacity, highlighting the role of metabolic dysfunction in heart health.
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.
08
#08
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.
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
HumanInfluence2.0
28
Researchers investigated the association of serum thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) levels with metabolic syndrome and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). They found that elevated TSP2 levels correlated with increased severity of metabolic syndrome and MAFLD, and could serve as a promising noninvasive biomarker for identifying at-risk patients.
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
Dyslipidemia and aging: the non-linear association between atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and aging acceleration.
Yang QianKun, et al. · Cardiovascular diabetology · 2025
HumanInfluence1.0
12
This study examined the relationship between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and biological aging in adults. Researchers found that higher AIP was associated with accelerated aging, with HOMA-IR mediating a significant portion of this relationship. The findings suggest that AIP could serve as a predictor for evaluating biological aging.
Key findings
- 01A one-unit increase in AIP was associated with an increase of nearly 1.8 years in biological age.
- 02The relationship between AIP and accelerated aging was nonlinear, with a specific threshold identified.
- 03Insulin resistance was found to mediate a significant portion of the link between AIP and aging acceleration.
Publication Trend
Research publications about HOMA-IR over time
10totalTrack your bloodwork in PepStack
Log lab results, track trends and optimize your biomarkers over time.
Legal Disclaimer
This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer