The Pre-Diabetes Detector
HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) measures the relationship between yourBlood Sugar and Insulin. It answers a simple question: "How much insulin does your pancreas need to produce to keep your blood sugar normal?"
The "Car Engine" Metaphor
Think of glucose as Speed and insulin as Gas. If your car goes 60mph and gets 30mpg, your engine is efficient (Insulin Sensitive). But if you need to floor the gas pedal just to maintain 60mph, your engine is broken. That is Insulin Resistance—your body is flooding the system with insulin just to achieve "normal" blood sugar.
Why A1C Is Not Enough
Standard blood tests look at HbA1c (Average Glucose). The problem is that A1C is a lagging indicator. Your pancreas can overwork for 10-15 years—pumping out massive amounts of insulin—to keep your A1C normal. By the time your A1C calls you "Pre-Diabetic," your pancreas may already be burnt out.HOMA-IR is a leading indicator. It catches the problem years in advance.
How to Test Correctly
You cannot use a home glucometer for this calculation. You need two specific numbers from a blood draw, typically taken after a 12-hour fast.
Fasting Glucose
The standard "Blood Sugar" test found on almost every metabolic panel (CMP/BMP). Ensuring a true 12-hour fast is critical for accuracy.
Fasting Insulin
This is NOT standard. You must specifically ask your doctor to add "Fasting Insulin" to your lab order. Without it, you cannot calculate HOMA-IR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy HOMA-IR score?
Can I reverse a high HOMA-IR?
How is this different from QUICKI?
Does high insulin cause weight gain?
What if my Glucose is normal but Insulin is high?
Tools & Data Verified by the EverydayCalculators Medical Research Team.
Last updated: January 2026.