Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-2)

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas after a meal and insulin works by lowering blood sugar levels. Insulin encourages storage of glucose in tissues and regulates the level in the blood. Even when the blood sugar levels are normal, the insulin levels in the blood can be higher and the body might find it difficult to maintain optimal blood glucose levels. When the body no longer responds to insulin, it requires more insulin and this condition is called as Insulin resistance.

The test is indicated in high risk individuals

• Nutrient excess and chronic excessive overeating: Some studies have shown that an excess level of glucose and protein leads to insulin resistance in the muscles and higher levels of saturated fat increases insulin resistance in liver. Chronic overeating leads to oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation in the body, all leading to insulin resistance.
• Obesity: Being overweight increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 3 times.
• Fat around the internal organs, visceral fat or belly fat increases risk of diabetes and insulin resistance. Subcutaneous fat is the fat found below the skin and also increases the risk of insulin resistance.
• Sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity also increases the chance of developing insulin resistance
• High levels of stress is associated with insulin resistance
• Too much sleep or too little sleep is associated with insulin resistance
• People with sleep apnea have relatively test higher on HOMA index
• Insulin resistance also develops as age progresses
• Insulin resistance increases during the course of normal pregnancy and this could also lead to gestational diabetes in pregnancy

Thyroid and pancreatic issues can also lead to Insulin resistance

The HOMA test can help assess beta-cell function and determine Insulin resistance. This test requires 10-12 hours fasting. The person undergoing the test can drink water during fasting period. Intake of caloric food, coffee, diet soda/gum strictly not allowed during fasting period. Provide medication & clinical details before the test so that the lab has all the details needed to make an interpretation.

Other names: HOMA test, HOMA IR

The HOMA-IR assessment gives an indication of how much insulin the body needs to maintain optimal blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is an early stage of type 2 diabetes and the HOMA test can help determine this. The HOMA test is a derived measurement and is calculated by measuring fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels.

• The computer model can be used to determine insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function from paired fasting plasma glucose and specific insulin concentrations across a range of 2.9-43.8 mU/L for insulin and 54.1-450.5 mg/dl for glucose.
• HOMA 2 model accounts of variations in hepatic and peripheral glucose resistance, increase in the insulin secretion curve for plasma glucose concentrations above 10 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) and the contribution of circulating proinsulin.
• Homa 2 index = 1.8 is considered as insulin resistance