Biomarkers · Glycemic & Metabolic
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)
Lower values carry lower risk. In NHANES 1999–2018 with linked mortality to 2019, each standard deviation is associated with a hazard ratio of 1.11. Reproduces in NHANES
NHANES, our fit with 95% CIPublished curve
Hazard ratios relative to each curve's own reference value, so the two curves need not cross 1 at the same point. The dotted vertical line marks the NHANES median.
NHANES hazard per SD1.1195% CI 1.08–1.15 · 23,276 adults, 3,429 deaths
Published hazard ratio1.46top vs bottom quarter (95% CI 1.24–1.72) · Malmo Diet and Cancer Study
Where people sit
Population percentiles (index) by sex and age band. Cycle or source as recorded in the catalogue.
| Sex | Age | 5th | 25th | Median | 75th | 95th | n | Cycle / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All | 20-39 | 0.74 | 1.42 | 2.12 | 3.38 | 8.20 | 1,240 | 2017-2018 |
| All | 40-59 | 0.88 | 1.76 | 2.68 | 4.35 | 10.9 | 1,210 | 2017-2018 |
| All | 60+ | 0.84 | 1.68 | 2.52 | 4.05 | 10.3 | 1,250 | 2017-2018 |
| All | all | 0.82 | 1.62 | 2.44 | 3.92 | 9.80 | 3,700 | 2017-2018 |
| Men | all | 0.85 | 1.70 | 2.58 | 4.15 | 10.5 | 1,810 | 2017-2018 |
| Women | all | 0.79 | 1.54 | 2.30 | 3.70 | 9.10 | 1,890 | 2017-2018 |
What studies found when this marker was changed
Effects on the biomarker reported in the cited studies. They describe what happened in those populations, not a recommendation for anyone. See all catalogued interventions.
| Type | Intervention | Reported effect | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| exercise | High-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise | Improves HOMA-IR index by 30-45% | meta-analysis | Estruch R, et al. Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterran… |
| exercise | High-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance training | -25% to -45% reduction | meta-analysis | Batacan RB Jr, et al. Br J Sports Med. 2017;51:494-503. |
| lifestyle | 10% Total Body Weight Loss through lifestyle modification | -35% to -55% reduction | rct | Petersen KF, et al. Science. 2007;300:1140-1142. |
| lifestyle | Severe visceral adiposity and physical inactivity | +100% to +350% elevation (HOMA-IR > 3.0) | prospective cohort | Bonora E, et al. Diabetes Care. 2002;25:1135-1141. |
| pharmacologic | GLP-1 / GIP receptor agonists (Tirzepatide / Semaglutide) | -40% to -65% reduction | rct | Jastreboff AM, et al. N Engl J Med. 2022;387:205-216. |
| pharmacologic | Atypical antipsychotics (Olanzapine / Clozapine) | +50% to +120% elevation in insulin resistance | meta-analysis | Rummel-Kluge C, et al. Schizophr Res. 2010;123:225-233. |
Sources
- Hazard curve: Diabetes Care 2013; 36:129
- Hedblad B, et al. Insulin resistance in relation to incidence of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality: the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study. Diabetologia. 2002;45(5):638-644.
- Empirical curve: our Cox model with age and sex, NHANES 1999–2018 with linked mortality to 2019.
Map Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) against another biomarker.