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HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index

Also known as HOMA Index Insulin Resistance, Insulin Resistance Index

HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index Includes 5 testsView All

₹919

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting (8-12 hrs) is required. Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test.

Understanding HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index

What is HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index?

The HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index is a group of blood tests used to assess an individual's insulin resistance, a condition where cells fail to respond effectively to insulin. The resistance is calculated using fasting insulin and glucose levels, providing insights into metabolic health.

The HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test helps understand and diagnose insulin resistance , a condition central to various metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the body become less responsive to the effects of insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

The HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test offers a non-invasive means to assess insulin sensitivity. The HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) calculation involves a mathematical model( calculated score) that takes into account fasting glucose and insulin levels, providing a quantitative measure of insulin resistance. The higher an individual's score, the more resistant they are to the action of insulin indicating an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) test tells how much insulin the pancreas needs to produce to control the blood sugar levels. This test offers a series of five parameters including insulin-fasting, beta cell function, insulin sensitivity, glucose-fasting, and HOMA IR Index. The HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test goes a step further than a normal blood sugar test and is used as an effective method for clinical research and treatments, particularly in the early detection of conditions like Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Usually, overnight fasting (8 to 12 hours) is required before the HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test. Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test. Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements or herbal remedies that you are currently taking as some of them may interfere with the test results and may require temporary discontinuation.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help doctors identify individuals at risk of metabolic dysfunction, enabling early intervention strategies such as lifestyle modifications, medications etc. Also, the results will help individuals make informed decisions regarding their medication adjustments, and implement diet and lifestyle changes to optimize diabetes management and improve overall health.

What is HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index used for?

The HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test is done:

To assess insulin resistance by providing insights into body's ability to respond to insulin
To identify individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes by detecting early signs of insulin resistance
As a part of the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome
To monitor the effectiveness of interventions such as lifestyle changes or medication therapy for insulin resistance over time
In research settings to investigate the role of insulin resistance in various diseases and conditions, including obesity, PCOS and cardiovascular diseases.
To help stratify individuals into different risk categories based on their insulin sensitivity

What does HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index measure?

Contains 5 tests

The HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index is a blood test used to assess an individual's insulin resistance, a fundamental aspect of metabolic health crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin leading to impaired glucose uptake. The test is based on the principle that the body's glucose and insulin levels are closely related and that when the body is functioning normally, glucose and insulin levels should be in balance. Through a mathematical model utilizing fasting insulin and glucose levels, HOMA IR provides a quantitative assessment of insulin sensitivity. This index helps doctors gauge how effectively the body processes glucose in response to insulin, offering insights into the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Moreover, the HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test helps in personalized health management. By identifying individuals with insulin resistance early on, doctors can implement targeted strategies , such as lifestyle modifications and medication therapy to improve insulin sensitivity and prevent complications. However, in individuals taking exogenous insulin( insulin injections) HOMA IR cannot be used to assess pancreatic beta cell function accurately. For such individuals, the HOMA IR-C peptide model is recommended.

Additionally, monitoring changes in HOMA-IR levels over time allows for the assessment of treatment efficacy and the refinement of personalized treatment plans. Overall, the HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test empowers individuals and doctors to proactively address metabolic health concerns, paving the way for improved overall well-being and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Insulin, Fasting

An Insulin, Fasting test evaluates the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels by measuring the amount of insulin in the blood after an overnight fast. Glucose is a source of energy for the body to perform daily activities. Your body gets glucose from carbohydrates that are consumed in the diet. These carbohydrates are digested and converted into simple sugar (glucose). The cells then absorb the required amount of glucose to produce energy, and the remaining amount is stored in other forms, like fats. Insulin hormone helps the cells to uptake glucose from the blood for utilization and storage. Thus, it is necessary to maintain insulin levels in your body.

Know more about Insulin, Fasting

Beta Cell Function

Insulin Sensitivity

FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar)

A fasting blood sugar test measures the glucose level in the body under overnight fasting conditions. Glucose serves as the body's energy currency and is broken down through metabolism to produce energy. Hormones and enzymes produced by the liver and pancreas control this process. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood glucose levels. When these levels are high, such as after a meal, insulin is secreted to transport glucose into cells for energy production. Elevated glucose levels in the body after fasting may indicate a risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes, which can be of two types- Type 1, caused by little or no insulin production, and Type 2, caused by insulin resistance or decreased insulin production.

Know more about FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar)

HOMA-IR Index

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index

Frequently Asked Questions about HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index

Q. What is the HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test?

The HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index is a blood test that measures insulin resistance by assessing how effectively the body responds to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

Q. Are there any special preparations required before the HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test?

Yes, you must fast for 8-12 hours before taking the HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test. However, you can drink water. Also, inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some of them can affect your test results and may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the test.

Q. What are the risks associated with the HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test?

The risks associated with this test are generally minimal. However, some people may experience mild pain or discomfort at the site from where the blood sample is taken, which is usually self-limiting.

Q. What if the HOMA index is high?

A high HOMA index indicates the presence of insulin resistance, a condition in which the body doesn’t adequately respond to insulin as it should, leading to significant consequences, such as elevated blood sugar levels, increased insulin production, weight gain, and cardiovascular risk.

Q. Can HOMA IR test predict diabetes?

Yes, the HOMA IR test can predict the risk of developing diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. Elevated HOMA IR levels indicate insulin resistance, a key factor that contributes to the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Q. Is type 2 diabetes preventable?

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through lifestyle changes such as keeping weight under control, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking. However, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, and currently, there is no cure for it.

Q. How often should I book the HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test?

The frequency of getting the HOMA IR; Insulin Resistance Index test depends on the individual health condition and their diabetes status. However, it is best to follow your doctor's recommendations.

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