Want to assess your insulin resistance and diabetes risk to catch metabolic problems early when they're most treatable and reversible?
The HOMA-IR Test estimates insulin resistance by using fasting glucose and insulin results. This test may help assess your risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and related heart or hormone problems.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
The HOMA-IR test gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how well your body's blood sugar management system is working. Think of insulin as your body's key that unlocks cells so glucose can enter and provide energy. When everything's running smoothly, this process happens effortlessly. But sometimes your cells start becoming resistant to insulin's signal – like a lock that's getting harder to turn. When this happens, your pancreas has to work overtime, producing more and more insulin to get the same job done, which can eventually lead to elevated blood sugar and diabetes.
What makes this test so valuable is that it can catch insulin resistance years before you'd notice any symptoms or develop diabetes, when your body is still compensating behind the scenes. By measuring both your fasting glucose and insulin levels, HOMA-IR reveals whether your pancreas is already working harder than it should be. This early warning gives you the opportunity to make lifestyle changes – like adjusting your diet, increasing physical activity, and managing stress – that can actually reverse insulin resistance and prevent it from progressing to more serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or metabolic syndrome.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
You may benefit from the HOMA-IR (Insulin Resistance) Blood Test
Essential for individuals with diabetes risk factors, metabolic syndrome, PCOS, unexplained weight gain, or anyone wanting to assess their insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.
Blood sugar spikes after eating
Feeling tired after eating
Intense sugar cravings
Difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise
Abdominal weight gain
PCOS with metabolic symptoms
Skin that's constantly oily
Metabolic syndrome diagnosis
How to prepare
Fast for 8-12 hours before blood collection (water allowed). Avoid alcohol, excessive exercise, and stress for 24 hours before testing. Take medications as prescribed unless instructed otherwise. Blood sample collected by trained phlebotomist at collection centre.
Understanding results
Results show HOMA-IR score with interpretation: <1.0 optimal insulin sensitivity, 1.0-2.5 normal, 2.5-5.0 early insulin resistance, >5.0 significant insulin resistance. Higher scores indicate greater insulin resistance and diabetes risk.
After the test
Address insulin resistance through dietary modifications emphasizing low glycemic foods, regular exercise, weight loss, stress management, and adequate sleep. Consider metformin or other medications if lifestyle changes are insufficient. Monitor progress with repeat testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Normal HOMA-IR is typically <2.5, with <1.0 being optimal. Scores >2.5 suggest insulin resistance, and >5.0 indicates significant insulin resistance requiring intervention.
HOMA-IR measures insulin resistance (how well insulin works), while HbA1c measures average blood sugar control. You can have insulin resistance with normal HbA1c if your pancreas is still compensating.
Yes, early-stage insulin resistance is often reversible through lifestyle changes including weight loss, low-carb diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep.
Fasting ensures accurate baseline measurements of glucose and insulin levels without interference from recent food intake, providing reliable HOMA-IR calculation.
Initially for baseline, then every 6-12 months for monitoring, or 3-6 months when implementing interventions to improve insulin sensitivity.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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How does it work?
Bloody Good helps you measure your baseline health, identify urgent issues, and track changes over time
1
Book your test
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your samples
Have your sample collected at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres.
3
View your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
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Having seen the GP regularly, I thought I had everything covered. I had no idea I had Type II diabetes as I was symptomless. Now I can manage it before it gets really bad. I never would have caught it this early if I hadn't used Bloody Good.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products and services.
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
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