HOMA - IR (INSULIN RESISTANCE)
⚖️ Metabolic Health & Pre-Diabetes MarkerReport: Next Day Evening ⚡
(Sample cutoff: 4:30 PM for Next Day delivery)
🛒 Add to Cart 📲 Book on WhatsApp📋 Test Specifications
- Report Turnaround: Next Day Evening.
- Sample Required: Fasting Blood (Serum + Fluoride Plasma).
- Tests Included: Fasting Insulin + Fasting Glucose + HOMA Ratio.
- Fasting Required: YES (10-12 Hours Mandatory).
- Accuracy: Gold Standard for resistance calculation.
What is the HOMA-IR Test?
HOMA-IR stands for Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance. It is a mathematical score calculated using your Fasting Blood Sugar and Fasting Insulin levels.
Simply putting it: It measures how hard your pancreas has to work to keep your blood sugar under control. A high score means your body is resisting the insulin, which is the root cause of Type 2 Diabetes and weight gain.
🔬 The Lock & Key Mechanism
Imagine Insulin is a Key and your Cell is a Lock. Insulin unlocks the cell to let sugar (energy) inside.
- Normal: The key turns easily, sugar enters, and energy is produced.
- Insulin Resistance: The lock is jammed. The body produces more keys (High Insulin) to force the door open. This leads to fat storage and eventually Diabetes.
Why is this Test Prescribed?
This test detects metabolic issues years before standard blood sugar tests show diabetes. It is crucial for:
🌸 Women with PCOS
Insulin resistance is a primary driver of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). High insulin levels can cause the ovaries to produce excess testosterone, leading to irregular periods, acne, and weight gain.
⚠️ Risk Signs (Syndrome X)
- Stubborn Belly Fat: Inability to lose weight despite diet.
- Acanthosis Nigricans: Dark, velvety patches of skin on the neck or underarms.
- Sugar Cravings: Intense hunger shortly after eating.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired after meals.
Interpretation of Results
Your report will provide a HOMA Index score:
- < 1.0: Optimal Insulin Sensitivity (Excellent).
- > 1.9: Early Insulin Resistance.
- > 2.9: Significant Insulin Resistance (High Risk of Diabetes).
Test Procedure
- Strict Fasting: You must fast for 10-12 hours. Water is allowed, but no tea, coffee, or food.
- Sample: Two blood samples are taken simultaneously (one for sugar, one for insulin).
- Medication: Consult your doctor if you should pause insulin or diabetes medication before the test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Blood sugar can remain normal for years while your insulin levels skyrocket to compensate. Only HOMA-IR catches this "hidden" stage of pre-diabetes.
Yes, absolutely. Since the calculation relies on baseline levels, eating even a small amount will spike insulin and ruin the result.
Yes! With lifestyle changes like low-carb diets, intermittent fasting, and exercise, you can lower your HOMA-IR score and prevent diabetes.
Disclaimer: This test provides a risk assessment score. Treatment protocols should be decided by an Endocrinologist or Diabetologist.