Calculate your insulin resistance score from fasting glucose and fasting insulin. HOMA-IR is the gold standard proxy for insulin resistance used by endocrinologists worldwide.
HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) estimates how resistant your cells are to insulin. It was developed by Matthews et al. in 1985 and remains the most widely used clinical proxy for insulin resistance outside of a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (the gold standard but impractical for routine use).
Why it matters: Fasting glucose alone misses early insulin resistance. Your glucose can stay "normal" for 5-10 years while insulin climbs higher and higher — because your pancreas compensates. HOMA-IR catches this early by looking at both glucose AND insulin together.
What to do with your result: If your HOMA-IR is above 2.0, discuss with your doctor. Lifestyle interventions (exercise, dietary changes, sleep optimization) can improve insulin sensitivity. Track your HOMA-IR over time to see if your interventions are working.
Most annual physicals include fasting glucose but not fasting insulin. You need to specifically request fasting insulin from your doctor, or order it yourself through a direct-to-consumer lab service like Ulta Lab Tests ($20-30) or Function Health.
Track your HOMA-IR over time
Upload your lab results to Vitalix and see your insulin resistance trend alongside medications, supplements, and lifestyle experiments. AI recommends which tests to add next.
Start Tracking FreeThis calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of lab results and treatment decisions.