Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance
Glucose Metabolism marker
HOMA-IR
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance
Calculated index of insulin resistance derived from fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Lower values indicate better insulin sensitivity. The most practical tool for detecting early GH/peptide-induced metabolic dysfunction.
PED Notes
Auto-calculated when both Fasting Glucose and Fasting Insulin are present in a blood test. Formula: (Glucose mmol/L x Insulin mIU/L) / 22.5. Lean, muscular athletes typically have lower baseline HOMA-IR (0.5-1.0) than sedentary adults. This means even 'normal' values (1.5-2.0) can represent a meaningful shift on GH or MK-677. Track the trend, not just the absolute number. A HOMA-IR that doubles from 0.8 to 1.6 over a GH cycle is a stronger signal than a single reading of 1.6 in isolation. GH, MK-677, and other GH-releasing peptides are the primary drivers of HOMA-IR elevation in this population. The index catches insulin resistance weeks before fasting glucose alone would flag a problem.
When high
This index is auto-computed. It is not directly manageable.
Adjust the underlying metabolic state instead:
HOMA-IR below 1.0 (optimal for lean athletes):
- No intervention needed
- Continue current monitoring frequency
HOMA-IR 1.0-1.5 (watch zone):
- Acceptable on moderate GH/peptide doses
- Optimize diet: reduce refined carbs, increase fibre, time carbs around training
- Recheck in 3 months
HOMA-IR 1.5-2.5 (early insulin resistance):
- Consider reducing GH or MK-677 dose by 25-50%
- Berberine 500mg 2-3x daily with meals
- Chromium picolinate 200-1000 mcg/day
- Alpha-lipoic acid 300-600mg/day
- If trending upward despite supplements, discuss metformin with your physician
HOMA-IR above 2.5 (established insulin resistance):
- Stop or substantially reduce GH/peptide dose
- Metformin 500-1000mg/day (prescription)
- GLP-1 agonist if metformin is insufficient
- Recheck in 4-6 weeks after intervention
- Do not resume full dose until HOMA-IR returns below 1.5
Pharmacological options (same stack as fasting glucose / HbA1c):
- Metformin -- start 500mg/day with food, titrate to 1000-2000mg/day in divided doses; first-line insulin sensitiser; GI tolerability (start low, go slow)
- Semaglutide -- start 0.25mg weekly subQ, titrate to 1-2.4mg over 16 weeks; GLP-1 agonist; reduces fasting insulin 30-50% via insulin sensitisation and modest weight loss
- Tirzepatide -- start 2.5mg weekly subQ, titrate to 5-15mg; GLP-1/GIP dual agonist; more potent than semaglutide for both IR and weight management
- Retatrutide -- emerging GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonist; research-chemical status in most jurisdictions
- Pioglitazone -- 15-30mg/day; PPAR-gamma agonist, direct insulin sensitiser; weight gain and oedema are notable side effects; useful when metformin + GLP-1 insufficient
- Acarbose -- 25-100mg with each main meal; alpha-glucosidase inhibitor; blunts post-prandial glucose spikes; useful adjunct for GH/MK-677 users on high-carb diets; main side effect is flatulence
- Empagliflozin / Dapagliflozin -- 10-25mg/day; SGLT2 inhibitor; renal and cardiovascular protection; emerging interest for athletes with concurrent BP/renal concerns
- All prescription items require physician oversight; dose-adjust if GH/MK-677 dose is also reduced
Key principle: HOMA-IR is the earliest warning system. Fasting insulin rises before glucose does, and HOMA-IR captures this compensatory hyperinsulinemia before either glucose or HbA1c flags a problem. Act on the trend.
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
VitalMetrics Range