HOMA IR Insulin Resistance (3 Parameters)
Also Known As
Test Parameters Included
- Fasting Glucose (Method: Hexokinase): The amount of sugar currently in your bloodstream after an 8-12 hour fast. We use the Hexokinase method, the reference standard for accuracy.
- Fasting Insulin (Method: ECLIA): Measures the amount of insulin your pancreas is secreting while you are at rest. Using ECLIA (Electrochemiluminescence) ensures we can detect even very small amounts of this hormone.
- HOMA-IR (Method: Calculated): This is a mathematical calculation using the formula, This result tells us if your insulin and glucose are in "harmony" or if your body is struggling.
Department
Methodology
Sample Required
Preparation
Schedule Report
24 Hours
Emergency Report
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not just check sugar?
You can have "normal" sugar but "high" insulin. This means your body is working 10 times harder than it should to keep sugar normal. HOMA-IR catches this "struggle."
Why does the report take 24 hours?
While the glucose is fast, the Insulin ECLIA requires specific batching and careful calibration to ensure the calculation is 100% accurate.
Can I drink black coffee while fasting?
No. Caffeine can trigger a release of stored sugar from the liver, which causes insulin to rise, ruining the HOMA-IR calculation.
Is a HOMA-IR of 2.5 bad?
It indicates moderate insulin resistance. It is a "wake-up call" to adjust diet and exercise before it progresses to diabetes.
Can exercise improve my score?
Absolutely! Muscle movement is the best way to make your cells more sensitive to insulin.
Why is my insulin high if my sugar is normal?
This is "Hyperinsulinemia." Your pancreas is overcompensating to keep you healthy, but it can't do this forever.
What is the "405" in the formula?
It is a constant used to standardize the units (mg/dL and \mu U/mL) for the calculation.
Can I take this test while pregnant?
Yes, but HOMA-IR ranges are different during pregnancy. Consult your OB-GYN.
Does stress affect HOMA-IR?
Yes. Cortisol (stress hormone) raises sugar and insulin, which will inflate your HOMA-IR score.
Can I take Metformin before the test?
No, unless specifically told by your doctor. Metformin lowers insulin resistance and will mask your "natural" baseline.
Why is the Hexokinase method used?
It is the most accurate way to measure glucose without interference from other substances in your blood.
Is HOMA-IR used for PCOS?
Yes, it is a primary tool to help determine if a patient's PCOS is driven by insulin issues.
Why must I rest before the draw?
Any physical exertion can change your blood sugar and insulin dynamics.
Does smoking affect the result?
Yes. Nicotine increases insulin resistance temporarily. Avoid smoking for 12 hours before.
Is the test result confidential?
Yes. At Dr. Patho, all metabolic health data is protected by strict privacy protocols.
Test Description
Test Code
H81
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