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HOMA-IR insulin resistance
A calculated index of insulin sensitivity: fasting glucose × fasting insulin / 22.5. An early marker of insulin resistance.
Other names: HOMA-IR, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistanceSection: Blood chemistry
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortHOMA-IR is calculated from the fasting glucose–insulin pair: the more insulin the body needs to keep glucose normal, the stronger the insulin resistance. Values up to 2.7 indicate no signs of insulin resistance. The index rises long before glucose and HbA1c change.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Decision threshold (national guideline)
< 2.7 — no signs of insulin resistance
The 2.7 threshold comes from national clinical guidelines on polycystic ovary syndrome. The index is not standardized between laboratories — trends are compared within one laboratory.
Reference range vs optimal — not the same thing
Below 2.0 is optimal; 2.0–2.7 is borderline; 2.7 and above indicates insulin resistance per national consensus. The index is informative only with normal fasting glucose.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.
What this marker is
HOMA-IR = fasting glucose (mmol/L) × fasting insulin (µIU/mL) / 22.5. Both are drawn from the same fasting sample, in the morning.
It is a screening index, not a diagnosis: it helps the provider spot metabolic risk early — in obesity, PCOS, and a family history of diabetes.
Calculator: HOMA-IR
Enter fasting glucose and fasting insulin from your report — the calculator estimates insulin resistance.
HOMA-IR = glucose (mmol/L) × insulin (µIU/mL) / 22.5. Both values must be fasting. Everything runs in your browser.
When it is high
Insulin resistanceValues above 2.7 indicate reduced tissue sensitivity to insulin — an early stage of metabolic disturbance.
Obesity and prediabetesHOMA-IR rises long before glucose does; weight loss improves the index.
PCOSIn polycystic ovary syndrome the index assesses the metabolic component.
When it is low
Not clinically meaningfulA low HOMA-IR marks good insulin sensitivity.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
Fasting state (strict fasting required)Acute infection and stressInsulin assay method
How to prepare
Strict fasting 8–12 hours, morning draw. For a valid calculation, glucose and insulin come from the same sample.
When a retest makes sense
An elevated index is rechecked after 3–6 months of lifestyle change or therapy, in the same laboratory.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: an endocrinologist; a gynecologist-endocrinologist for PCOS. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: HOMA-IRHOMA indexInsulin resistance index
Units
Measured in: dimensionless
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
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