Insulin Resistance Test

About this test

How It Works

You collect a small blood sample at home using a finger-prick method. The sample is then sent to a CLIA-certified laboratory for analysis, and your results are delivered digitally once testing is complete.

What This Test Measures

• Glucose

• HbA1c

• Fasting metabolic hormone marker

• HOMA-IR metabolic index

Dried Blood Spot Collection

The test uses a dried blood spot sample. A few drops of blood are collected from your fingertip and placed on a collection card, which is then left to dry before being sent to the laboratory.

This method offers a convenient alternative to traditional blood sampling.

Preparation Instructions

Collect your sample in the morning after an overnight fast. Avoid eating or drinking, except water, before sampling.

Avoid strenuous exercise before testing, as this may influence results.

Who Should Consider This Test

This test is relevant for individuals who want insight into blood sugar regulation and wider metabolic health markers.

It may be useful when reviewing metabolic patterns, energy levels, or as part of a broader personal health assessment.

Understanding CLIA Certification

Your sample is analyzed in a CLIA-certified laboratory, helping ensure testing is performed according to established U.S. quality standards using validated methods.

Biomarkers included

• Glucose: Glucose is the body’s primary source of energy and is especially important for brain and muscle function. Blood glucose is tightly regulated by insulin and other hormones to keep levels within a healthy range. Measuring glucose is central to evaluating metabolic health and is used in the assessment of diabetes, insulin resistance, and hypoglycemia. Persistently elevated glucose may indicate impair
• Insulin: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels. It facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy or storage. Abnormal insulin levels, either too high or too low, are key indicators of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and insulin resistance.
• HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c): HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months by assessing the percentage of hemoglobin in red blood cells that is coated with sugar. It's a crucial indicator for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, as persistently high levels denote poor long-term glucose control, increasing the risk of diabetes-related complications. This test provides a more stable an
• HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance): HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) – A calculated marker that estimates insulin resistance by combining fasting glucose and insulin levels. It provides insight into how effectively your body responds to insulin and can help identify early signs of metabolic imbalance.

How to prepare

Requires 8-12 hours of fasting (water only) prior to sample collection. Best performed early in the morning.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before taking the insulin resistance test at home?

Yes. For your HOMA-IR blood test and fasting insulin levels test to be accurate, you must fast for 8 to 12 hours before collecting your sample. We recommend collecting your sample first thing in the morning. water is permitted during the fasting period.

What is HOMA-IR and why is it important?

HOMA-IR is a mathematical formula that reveals the relationship between your fasting insulin and glucose. It is a more sensitive indicator of metabolic health than glucose alone because it shows how hard your body is working to keep blood sugar stable. It can detect early signs of insulin resistance blood test markers years before HbA1c becomes elevated.

Why is my HbA1c normal but I still feel like I have insulin issues?

Your HbA1c measures average blood sugar over 90 days, but your body can maintain "normal" blood sugar by overproducing insulin. This metabolic health panel at home catches "hidden" insulin resistance that an HbA1c test might miss by specifically looking at the insulin-to-glucose ratio.

Is a finger-prick test as accurate as a lab blood draw?

Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing is a clinically validated method used in laboratories worldwide. Research shows a very high correlation between DBS samples and traditional venous blood draws for metabolic markers like HbA1c and insulin, ensuring your at-home results are as reliable as a doctor's office visit.

Customer reviews

4.8/5 (5)

• 5/5 — Efficient process from start to finish. Great combination of markers measured!
• 5/5 — Results came back in two days.
• 5/5 — Super fast turnaround and very easy to follow instructions.
• 5/5 — Glad I did this because my A1c was normal but my insulin was actually high. Fast results too.
• 4/5 — I liked getting the HOMA-IR score specifically. The finger prick was a bit tricky to get enough blood but the results were very insightful.