Diabetes comes in different types and sizes. The body cannot respond properly to insulin or does not produce it at all. As a result, you get an accumulation of sugar (glucose) in the blood, which in turn has adverse effects. Too much glucose in diabetes can affect the kidneys, nerves, eyes and many more organs.
In this study we measure insulin resistance based on insulin and glucose. These two values are determined fasting. This means that you should not consume anything except water for 12 hours before the test. The insulin and glucose blood test is also called the HOMA IR test. The IR for insulin resistance.
How do we calculate the HOMA index?
The HOMA index is, as the name suggests, a calculation: The fasting glucose and fasting insulin are multiplied and divided by 22.5. Pay close attention to the units!What does the HOMA IR test mean?
The HOMA index is a ratio between glucose and insulin, corrected by a factor. When glucose rises in the body, insulin should also rise and vice versa. If the HOMA index remains high (above 1) for a long time, body cells may lose their sensitivity to insulin. This can ultimately lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus . HOMA stands for Homeostatic Model Assessment Insulin Resistance.How do you measure the HOMA IR index reliably?
A reliable way to measure insulin and glucose is via a venous blood sample. Glucose can also be determined by means of a finger prick, but a one-off determination is not as accurate as taking blood from the arm. You can easily take this insulin resistance test yourself by means of a finger prick. You will receive the test result in a clearly formulated report after six working days. In addition to the results, your report also includes some personal recommendations so that you can, if necessary, get started on improving your Homa ir index.When is this insulin resistance test recommended?
The insulin resistance test or the HOMA IR test is recommended for determining impaired insulin resistance, a pre-diabetes status or for IVF treatments. Fasting glucose determination is sufficient to diagnose diabetes.
For this blood test you must fast 12 hours beforehand. This means that you cannot consume anything except water 12 hours before the test. It is best to do this early in the morning. draw blood.
What causes insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance is the basis of the pathology of type 2 diabetes. Normally, when we ingest sugars, this is stored in the liver, burned for energy production or converted into other substances such as fats. You need the hormone insulin for, among other things, the storage of glucose in the liver. If the sugar is not absorbed, it remains floating around in the bloodstream. Sugar can react with molecules and damage the vessel wall. This causes vascular damage. That is why insulin is so important, so that sugar is absorbed from the bloodstream.Insulin is produced by the pancreas To illustrate what insulin resistance is, we use fictitious numbers: Suppose a healthy person needs 1 gram of insulin to store 1 gram of glucose. If you regularly store more glucose (i.e. take in more, while you do not use it) ) and not used quickly, insulin resistance develops. In this case, you need 2 grams of insulin for 1 gram of glucose. So it takes more insulin to move the same amount of glucose.
The HOMA index for the healthy person would then be 1 x 1 = 1. With insulin resistance you have a HOMA index of 1 x 2 = 2. We call this insulin resistance.
How accurate is the HOMA IR Index blood test?
The accuracy of the test for HOMA IR Index is conducted through ISO-certified laboratories. The accuracy of a test method is expressed in terms of specificity and sensitivity. However, the most important aspect is that the results are interpreted and accepted among general practitioners and hospitals. This is the case with our venous samples. Mutual acceptance may not always be present due to potentially reduced reliability with a capillary sample.
How long does it take to receive the results of a HOMA IR Index blood test?
Most tests generally take 24-48 hours. Tests that go through an LC-MS method generally take longer, think about an average of 3-7 working days. Additionally, it also depends on the location. Some locations do the analysis themselves and others outsource it to another lab.
How do I interpret the results of a HOMA IR Index blood test?
Interpreting the results of HOMA IR Index is not always easy and should be seen in the broader picture, along with anamnesis and physical examination. In the doctor's advice section, the query in which you can already outline your complaints is taken into account, otherwise, the results are interpreted in conjunction with the other results. If necessary, the doctor can call to ask about physical abnormalities. You don't have to interpret the results yourself because there is always advice and explanation from the doctor.
What should I do if my results from a HOMA IR Index blood test are abnormal?
If the results of the test for HOMA IR Index are clinically significantly abnormal, the doctor will contact you by phone. If you are not reachable, you will receive an email. This includes advice and an explanation of the abnormal results and what you can do about them. If you need a prescription or referral, we can help with that.
How much does a HOMA IR Index blood test cost? Is it covered by insurance?
The costs of HOMA IR Index can be found on the product page. Depending on your insurance and additional packages, you may be reimbursed for these costs for HOMA IR Index. For example, tests for IVF treatment are often reimbursed. After your order, you will receive an invoice that you can submit to your insurance.
How can I order a HOMA IR Index blood test?
The ordering process is easy. You can add a HOMA IR Index test or the tests you want to your shopping cart. In step two, you fill in your details and pay. Then you will receive an email confirmation and you can go to a collection location. After you have been there, you will receive the results of the HOMA IR Index test in your Portal.
Is my data safe when I get a HOMA IR Index blood test?
We are certified-ready according to the NEN 7510 and 7512 standards for secure data transfer in healthcare. The Portal is secured with two-factor authentication. Your data is also encrypted. We do not send the results of HOMA IR Index to third parties without permission, not even to your general practitioner without your consent.
Do I need to visit a clinic for a HOMA IR Index blood test, or can it be done remotely?
The blood test for HOMA IR Index must take place at one of the collection locations we provide. At certain locations, it is possible for a phlebotomist to come to you. You can indicate this during checkout. An appointment will then be made as soon as possible to come to your home.
Is fasting required before I get a HOMA IR Index blood test?
Yes, fasting is required for a HOMA IR Index test
How do I book an appointment for HOMA IR Index blood test?
You can easily make an appointment for HOMA IR Index blood test after your order in your Portal. You can visit almost daily in all major cities in the Netherlands. In smaller cities, you can visit on certain days. At certain locations, it is also possible to visit on weekends.
Is a doctor's interpretation included in a HOMA IR Index blood test?
An interpretation by a doctor or an explanation is included in the HOMA IR Index test. The explanation takes into account the query that you can specify in your Portal after ordering.
How does a HOMA IR Index blood test differ from over-the-counter tests?
For blood tests, we always use venous sampling. This is the gold standard for blood collection. Over-the-counter tests, such as a finger prick test, use the capillary route for blood collection. These do not always give the same results and the accuracy depends on how, where, and with which technique the collection is done. The advantage, of course, is that the test is easier and less painful to take.
What payment options are available for a HOMA IR Index blood test?
You can always pay with iDeal and credit card (VISA, Mastercard, and Amex). This also includes Apple Pay. The phlebotomists at the collection location cannot accept cash payments.
Are the results of a HOMA IR Index blood test shareable with my doctor?
The results of Labplusarts can be shared with your general practitioner at your request. However, you can also easily arrange this yourself by downloading the result in PDF format. Because we use comparable test methods as the general practitioner, the results are interchangeable and comparable so that comparisons can be made well.
