What is it?
A calculated index combining fasting insulin and fasting glucose to quantify how insulin-resistant your tissues are.
Why it matters for long-term health
One of the earliest, most actionable metabolic markers — frequently abnormal years before glucose or HbA1c.
Longevity and healthy ageing
Lower HOMA-IR correlates with longer healthspan, better cognitive ageing and reduced cardiovascular events.
What a high result may indicate
over 2.0 suggests insulin resistance; over 2.5 is pronounced. Values over 4 are typical in established type 2 diabetes.
Common symptoms of abnormal levels
- •Central weight gain
- •Energy crashes
- •Cravings
- •Acanthosis nigricans
Risk factors
- •Same as for insulin and HbA1c
Associated medical conditions
- •PCOS
- •NAFLD
- •Hypertension
- •Type 2 diabetes
- •Cardiovascular disease
How a British GP interprets your result
Interpreted alongside waist circumference, triglycerides, ALT and ApoB to build a complete metabolic and cardiovascular risk picture.
Further investigations we may arrange
- •Continuous glucose monitor
- •Liver ultrasound
- •DEXA body composition
- •Lipoprotein sub-fractionation
Lifestyle measures that may improve your result
- •Resistance training 3x weekly
- •Mediterranean diet
- •Reduce refined carbohydrates
- •7+ hours of sleep
- •Stress regulation
Evidence-based treatment options
- •Metformin
- •GLP-1 agonists
- •Treat PCOS, fatty liver and OSA
When to retest
Every 3–6 months while optimising.
Have this assessment at home, hotel, office or in our Business Bay clinic
Same British GP. Same evidence-based plan. Same-day visits across Dubai — usually within 60–90 minutes of booking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a HOMA-IR blood test at home in Dubai?+
Yes — our DHA-licensed nurse draws HOMA-IR at your home, hotel, villa or office anywhere in Dubai, usually within 60–90 minutes of booking. Your result is then reviewed by a British-trained GP who calls you to explain it in plain English.
Do I need to fast before a HOMA-IR test?+
Most patients do not need to fast for HOMA-IR specifically. If we are running a fuller panel (lipids, glucose, insulin) we will advise an overnight fast — our team confirms this when you book.
How quickly will I get my HOMA-IR result?+
Standard turnaround is 24–48 hours from a DHA-accredited laboratory. Your named British GP then calls you personally with the interpretation and a written wellness plan — not a PDF you have to decode alone.
Is HOMA-IR covered by insurance?+
Most premium UAE and international insurers reimburse — we provide a fully coded invoice at the visit. Reimbursement typically arrives within 5–10 working days.