What Is HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR stands for Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance. It uses your fasting insulin and fasting glucose together to estimate how well your body responds to insulin.
A low score means efficient insulin use. A high score means insulin resistance — producing more insulin to do the same job.
How It's Calculated
HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin in mU/L × fasting glucose in mmol/L) / 22.5
What's a Normal HOMA-IR Score?
Below 1.5: Optimal insulin sensitivity. 1.5–2.5: Normal range. Above 2.5: Insulin resistance likely. Above 5.0: Significant insulin resistance.
Why Standard Physicals Don't Catch Insulin Resistance Early
Insulin resistance develops silently, well before blood sugar becomes abnormal. Fasting glucose stays normal because extra insulin compensates. Your annual physical checks glucose, sees it's in range, and marks metabolic health as "normal." Meanwhile, fasting insulin has been elevated for years.
How to Improve HOMA-IR
- Diet: Reducing refined carbs and sugar, increasing fibre, Mediterranean-style eating
- Exercise: Both resistance training and aerobic exercise improve insulin sensitivity
- Sleep: A single week of poor sleep can meaningfully raise HOMA-IR
- Weight management: Reducing visceral fat improves insulin sensitivity
- Stress management: Chronic cortisol elevation drives insulin resistance
Is HOMA-IR Tested in a Standard Physical?
No. Stem Health includes fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in every Core and Horizon Assessment.
