🧪 Test It Tuesday: Why You Should Know Your HOMA-IR

 

When we think of diabetes, we usually think of glucose levels and A1c—but those often lag behind the earliest signs of metabolic dysfunction. That’s where HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) comes in.

This simple calculation uses fasting glucose and fasting insulin to give us a clearer picture of how your body is processing sugar. A high HOMA-IR score means your cells aren’t responding well to insulin—a hallmark of insulin resistance, which is at the root of many chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune issues.

The beauty of HOMA-IR is in its ability to detect subtle metabolic imbalances before they snowball. A healthy HOMA-IR is usually below 1.5, while anything above 2.0 suggests insulin resistance may already be at play—even if your glucose looks “normal.”

This is one of my go-to tests in functional blood chemistry because it empowers patients to take action early. If you’re tired, inflamed, holding onto weight, or just want to optimize your longevity, don’t skip this marker. Pair it with lifestyle shifts, anti-inflammatory support (like berberine), and movement—and you’ll be on your way to turning things around.