1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol)
This test measures 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the biologically active form of vitamin D. It is used to investigate calcium imbalance, kidney disease and...
Insulin Resistance
88.00
The Insulin Resistance test measures fasting insulin and glucose to calculate HOMA-IR. It identifies early metabolic dysfunction before diabetes develops.
Turnaround time
1 day
Biomarkers count
3
Same-Day Appointments
UKAS Accredited Labs
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Under 18? Patients under 18 can only be seen at GB Medlabs and Clinilabs, Monday to Friday only.
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Details about Insulin Resistance
What is the Insulin Resistance test?
The Insulin Resistance test is a metabolic assessment that measures fasting insulin and fasting glucose, then calculates the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).
HOMA-IR is a validated mathematical model used worldwide to estimate how resistant the body’s cells are to insulin. It provides insight into metabolic health that cannot be seen from glucose or HbA1c alone.
This test is widely used in preventive medicine, endocrinology and metabolic health screening to identify early insulin resistance.
Why do I need an Insulin Resistance test?
Insulin resistance often develops silently, years before blood sugar becomes abnormal. Early detection allows intervention before type 2 diabetes and metabolic complications occur.
You may need this test if you:
- Have difficulty losing weight
- Carry excess abdominal fat
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Experience post-meal fatigue
- Have abnormal cholesterol or triglycerides
- Want early metabolic risk assessment
Common signs linked to insulin resistance include:
- Central weight gain
- Sugar cravings
- Brain fog
- Post-meal tiredness
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Fatty liver
- High blood pressure
Benefits of the Insulin Resistance test
- Measures insulin directly
Identifies hyperinsulinaemia early. - Includes fasting glucose
Provides essential metabolic context. - Calculates HOMA-IR
Gold-standard insulin resistance index. - Detects risk before diabetes develops
Earlier than glucose or HbA1c alone. - Useful in PCOS assessment
Insulin resistance is a core driver. - Supports cardiovascular risk evaluation
Strongly linked to heart disease. - Guides personalised lifestyle changes
Diet, exercise and supplementation. - Simple fasting blood test
No complex procedures required.
Step by step – how the test works
You can access Insulin Resistance testing UK-wide through two options:
- Clinic appointment
Attend your nearest UK clinic for a fasting blood draw. - At-home or hotel visit (£60 extra)
A qualified phlebotomist comes to your home or hotel.
The laboratory measures fasting insulin and glucose, then calculates HOMA-IR.
Your results explained
Low insulin resistance (insulin sensitive)
Cells respond well to insulin.
Typical UK interpretation (HOMA-IR):
- < 1.0
Moderate insulin resistance
Early metabolic dysfunction.
Typical UK interpretation (HOMA-IR):
- 1.0 – 2.0
High insulin resistance
Significant metabolic risk; intervention strongly recommended.
Typical UK interpretation (HOMA-IR):
- > 2.0
Cut-offs may vary slightly by laboratory and clinical context.
What is the Insulin Resistance test?
The Insulin Resistance test is a metabolic assessment that measures fasting insulin and fasting glucose, then calculates the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).
HOMA-IR is a validated mathematical model used worldwide to estimate how resistant the body’s cells are to insulin. It provides insight into metabolic health that cannot be seen from glucose or HbA1c alone.
This test is widely used in preventive medicine, endocrinology and metabolic health screening to identify early insulin resistance.
Why do I need an Insulin Resistance test?
Insulin resistance often develops silently, years before blood sugar becomes abnormal. Early detection allows intervention before type 2 diabetes and metabolic complications occur.
You may need this test if you:
- Have difficulty losing weight
- Carry excess abdominal fat
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Experience post-meal fatigue
- Have abnormal cholesterol or triglycerides
- Want early metabolic risk assessment
Common signs linked to insulin resistance include:
- Central weight gain
- Sugar cravings
- Brain fog
- Post-meal tiredness
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Fatty liver
- High blood pressure
Benefits of the Insulin Resistance test
- Measures insulin directly
Identifies hyperinsulinaemia early. - Includes fasting glucose
Provides essential metabolic context. - Calculates HOMA-IR
Gold-standard insulin resistance index. - Detects risk before diabetes develops
Earlier than glucose or HbA1c alone. - Useful in PCOS assessment
Insulin resistance is a core driver. - Supports cardiovascular risk evaluation
Strongly linked to heart disease. - Guides personalised lifestyle changes
Diet, exercise and supplementation. - Simple fasting blood test
No complex procedures required.
Step by step – how the test works
You can access Insulin Resistance testing UK-wide through two options:
- Clinic appointment
Attend your nearest UK clinic for a fasting blood draw. - At-home or hotel visit (£60 extra)
A qualified phlebotomist comes to your home or hotel.
The laboratory measures fasting insulin and glucose, then calculates HOMA-IR.
Your results explained
Low insulin resistance (insulin sensitive)
Cells respond well to insulin.
Typical UK interpretation (HOMA-IR):
- < 1.0
Moderate insulin resistance
Early metabolic dysfunction.
Typical UK interpretation (HOMA-IR):
- 1.0 – 2.0
High insulin resistance
Significant metabolic risk; intervention strongly recommended.
Typical UK interpretation (HOMA-IR):
- > 2.0
Cut-offs may vary slightly by laboratory and clinical context.
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
1
Book Online
Choose your test online and book in seconds. Select your preferred clinic location or home visit option.
2
Visit or Test at Home
Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
3
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
Take control of your health with London Blood Tests
WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fasting insulin, fasting glucose and calculated HOMA-IR.
Yes. It is widely used in endocrinology.
Yes. 8–12 hours fasting is required.
Yes. Very commonly.
Yes. It detects problems earlier.
Yes. Insulin resistance is central to PCOS.
Often yes, with lifestyle changes.
Yes, especially if at metabolic risk.
Yes. Home or hotel phlebotomy is available UK-wide for £60 extra.
Yes. Interpretation should include symptoms and other markers.
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