Insulin Resistance Blood Test
Mar 5, 2026
Insulin Resistance Blood Test
An insulin resistance blood test measures fasting insulin alongside glucose to calculate your HOMA-IR score—detecting insulin resistance years before your HbA1c becomes abnormal and diabetes develops, at a stage when the condition is often completely reversible through diet and lifestyle changes. Standard diabetes screening misses early insulin resistance, allowing the condition to progress silently until damage is done.
At Blood Test London, insulin resistance testing costs from £265 with results in 2-3 days. A doctor always reviews every result, explaining what your insulin levels mean for your metabolic health.
Why Test Insulin, Not Just Blood Sugar?
The Hidden Stage of Diabetes
Testing fasting insulin catches the problem at Stage 1, when it's most reversible.
What We Measure
Fasting Insulin
Level (μIU/mL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
Below 5 | Optimal insulin sensitivity |
5-10 | Normal |
10-15 | Early insulin resistance |
15-25 | Moderate insulin resistance |
Above 25 | Significant insulin resistance |
HOMA-IR Score
Calculated from fasting insulin and glucose: (Insulin × Glucose) / 22.5
HOMA-IR | Interpretation |
|---|---|
Below 1.0 | Optimal |
1.0-1.9 | Normal |
2.0-2.9 | Early insulin resistance |
3.0+ | Significant insulin resistance |
Also Included
Marker | Purpose |
|---|---|
Fasting glucose | Paired with insulin for HOMA-IR |
HbA1c | 3-month average blood sugar |
Triglycerides | Often elevated with insulin resistance |
HDL cholesterol | Often low with insulin resistance |
Triglyceride:HDL ratio | Quick insulin resistance estimate |
Signs of Insulin Resistance
Physical Signs
Weight gain (especially belly fat)
Difficulty losing weight despite efforts
Skin tags
Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)—neck, armpits, groin
Fatigue after meals
Sugar/carb cravings
Frequent hunger
Associated Conditions
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
Fatty liver disease
High blood pressure
High triglycerides
Low HDL cholesterol
Gout
Who Should Test?
Overweight or obese
Family history of type 2 diabetes
PCOS diagnosis or symptoms
Waist circumference >94cm (men) or >80cm (women)
History of gestational diabetes
Fatigue, brain fog, carb cravings
Difficulty losing weight
Metabolic syndrome markers
How to Reverse Insulin Resistance
Diet (Most Powerful Intervention)
Strategy | Effect |
|---|---|
Reduce refined carbohydrates | Lowers insulin demand |
Increase protein and healthy fats | Stabilises blood sugar |
Time-restricted eating (16:8) | Improves insulin sensitivity |
Low glycaemic index foods | Gentler insulin response |
Fibre with every meal | Slows glucose absorption |
Exercise
Type | Benefit |
|---|---|
Resistance training | Increases muscle glucose uptake |
Walking after meals | Lowers post-meal glucose |
HIIT | Improves insulin sensitivity rapidly |
Any movement | Better than none |
Lifestyle
Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
Sleep 7-9 hours | Poor sleep worsens insulin resistance |
Stress management | Cortisol raises blood sugar |
Muscle mass | More muscle = better glucose disposal |
Supplements (Adjunct, Not Replacement)
Berberine (significant evidence)
Chromium
Magnesium
Alpha-lipoic acid
Medication (If Needed)
Metformin may be considered for significant insulin resistance
GLP-1 agonists increasingly used
Our Insulin Resistance Testing Options
Basic Insulin Panel - £265
Fasting insulin
Fasting glucose
HOMA-IR calculation
HbA1c
Doctor review
Metabolic Health Panel - £345
All above plus:
Full lipid profile
Liver function
Uric acid
Comprehensive interpretation
Complete Metabolic Assessment - £495
Full metabolic panel
Inflammation markers
Thyroid function
Hormone screening
Extended consultation
Book Your Insulin Resistance Test
Price: From £265
Results: 2-3 days
Doctor review: A doctor always reviews every result
Fasting: 10-14 hours required (water allowed)
Book via WhatsApp | Phone: 020 3951 3429
FAQ
Why doesn't my GP test insulin?
Standard diabetes screening uses glucose and HbA1c. Insulin testing catches problems earlier but isn't routinely done on the NHS.
Can insulin resistance be reversed?
Yes—in most cases, with diet and lifestyle changes. The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to reverse.
How long does it take to improve insulin sensitivity?
Improvements can be seen within weeks with the right changes. Significant reversal typically takes 3-6 months.
Is insulin resistance the same as prediabetes?
Insulin resistance comes first. If unchecked, it progresses to prediabetes, then diabetes. They're on a spectrum.
Blood Test London by The Wellness. Insulin resistance testing from £265. A doctor always reviews every result.