Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance

Glucose Metabolism marker

HOMA-IR

Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance

Category: Glucose Metabolism
Unit: N/A

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.

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

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.

References:

  • Matthews, D. R., Hosker, J. P., Rudenski, A. S., et al. (1985). Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and beta-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in man. Diabetologia, 28(7), 412-419. DOI: 10.1007/BF00280883
  • Gonzalez-Cantero, J., Martin-Rodriguez, J. L., Gonzalez-Cantero, A., et al. (2014). Insulin resistance in lean and overweight non-diabetic Caucasian adults: study of its relationship with body composition, fat distribution and cardiovascular risk. PLOS ONE, 9(12), e115462. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115462
  • Wallace, T. M., Levy, J. C., & Matthews, D. R. (2004). Use and abuse of HOMA modeling. Diabetes Care, 27(6), 1487-1495. DOI: 10.2337/diacare.27.6.1487

History Chart

Reading History

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

0.5 - 2

VitalMetrics Range

0.3 - 1.5

Statistics