Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)
Insulin resistance becomes more relevant with age. Track it with fasting glucose, insulin and your HOMA-IR score.
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Included Markers
3 markersGlucose (Fasting), HOMA-IR, Insulin (Fasting)
HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) estimates insulin resistance from a fasting blood sample. It is a simple, well-established way of supporting healthy ageing and diabetes prevention.
What is HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR is a calculated score, not a separate measurement. It is derived from two fasting markers: fasting glucose and fasting insulin, using the formula (glucose × insulin) / 22.5. A higher score points towards more insulin resistance; a lower score towards better insulin sensitivity.
Why this test?
Insulin resistance often develops quietly. Fasting insulin can rise to keep glucose normal long before fasting glucose itself moves, so HOMA-IR can surface metabolic change earlier than a glucose test alone. This panel is aimed at supporting healthy ageing and diabetes prevention.
What is tested?
The panel measures and reports three things:
Glucose (fasting) — your fasting blood sugar
Insulin (fasting) — the hormone that moves glucose into cells
HOMA-IR — the calculated insulin-resistance score from the two values above
How is the sample collected?
The test is a blood draw at a certified sample point (afnamepunt), with 700+ locations across the Netherlands. After ordering, you choose a convenient location and plan your visit. The draw is performed by trained professionals.
What happens after the results?
Results are usually available within a few working days. Glucose and insulin are shown with their reference ranges, and HOMA-IR with its interpretation band. These are intended to be discussed with your doctor, who can interpret them in the context of your personal situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Both fasting glucose and fasting insulin require an empty stomach, so fast for 8 to 12 hours (water is fine) before the draw. A non-fasting sample makes the HOMA-IR score unreliable.
No. The lab measures fasting glucose and fasting insulin; HOMA-IR is calculated from those two values. That is why the test reports all three.
No referral is needed to order this test. You can share the results with your doctor afterwards.
What We Test
| No. | Biomarker | Unit | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Glucose (Fasting) | mmol/l | 1 day |
| 02 | HOMA-IR | Index | — |
| 03 | Insulin (Fasting) | pmol/L | 5 days |
| Your result arrives once the slowest test is finished: 5 days. This is indicative; turnaround varies per laboratory. | |||
Preparation
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Pause biotin
RequiredDo you take a supplement with biotin (vitamin B8, common in hair, skin and nail supplements)? Stop it 72 hours before the draw. Biotin interferes with the measurement of these values.
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Come fasting
RequiredFrom 22:00 the evening before, eat and drink nothing except water. That is at least 8 hours. Skip coffee, tea, chewing gum and smoking that morning. Plan the draw before 10:00.
- Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
- Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.
Extend this panel
Same draw, no second appointment.
Related Measurements
GLP-1 Baseline Panel
Your starting point before the first injection: blood sugar, cholesterol, pancreas, liver, kidneys, thyroid and nutrients in one measurement.
GLP-1 Check-in Panel
The 3-month safety and progress check clinics do: pancreas, liver, kidneys, salts and your metabolic progress on GLP-1 medication.
GLP-1 Extended Panel
The 6-month measurement: everything from the check-in plus insulin, ApoB and your nutrients — especially relevant if you have been eating much less for a while.