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Fasting glucose vs HOMA-IR: Key Differences Explained
Discover the differences between Fasting glucose and HOMA-IR to understand their health implications.

Written by
Mito Team

Introduction
Fasting Glucose and HOMA-IR are essential biomarkers used to evaluate kidney function and overall metabolic health.
What Is Fasting Glucose?
Fasting Glucose helps assess the body’s ability to filter waste and maintain fluid balance.
What Is HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR gives clinicians a ratio-based insight, often improving diagnostic accuracy in conjunction with Fasting Glucose.
Comparison Table
Feature | FASTING-GLUCOSE | HOMA-IR |
---|---|---|
Primary Function | FASTING-GLUCOSE detects or regulates processes related to inflammation, immunity, or metabolism. | HOMA-IR plays a role in monitoring or responding to chronic or acute physiological changes. |
Diagnostic Relevance | Used to evaluate conditions linked to elevated fasting-glucose levels such as infections or autoimmune disorders. | Helps assess disorders associated with abnormal homa-ir concentrations. |
Speed of Response | Responds rapidly to changes in health status or inflammation. | May rise or fall over a longer period. |
Specificity | FASTING-GLUCOSE offers relatively specific insight into related disease activity. | HOMA-IR may be influenced by multiple unrelated conditions. |
Clinical Use | Commonly ordered to guide treatment plans involving fasting-glucose pathways. | Used in clinical decision-making where homa-ir patterns are relevant. |
Measurement Units | Varies depending on assay (e.g., mg/L, ng/mL). | Also varies by lab method and clinical context. |
Normal Range | Reference range depends on lab standards and population norms. | Interpretation requires context from other biomarkers. |
Best Use Case | Effective when monitoring specific inflammation or disease progression via FASTING-GLUCOSE. | Useful as part of a broader diagnostic panel involving HOMA-IR. |
What They Tell You
Fasting Glucose provides foundational insight, while HOMA-IR enhances interpretation when both markers are tested together.
Clinical Use Cases
Doctors may order both tests when investigating causes of fatigue, swelling, or changes in urine output.
Which One Should You Get?
Often, both are tested together to interpret kidney function more precisely, especially in hospitalized or chronic care patients.
Can They Be Used Together?
Yes. Combined interpretation offers more context and accuracy in diagnosing renal and systemic conditions.
When to See a Doctor
If either Fasting Glucose or HOMA-IR shows abnormal trends, especially with symptoms, follow up with a nephrologist or primary care provider.
FAQs
Does diet affect the results? Yes, high protein intake or dehydration can shift values.
Can I rely on just one? The ratio (HOMA-IR) is only meaningful when Fasting Glucose and BUN are both measured.
Are these tests routine? Yes, especially for those with risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Optional Value-Add
In Seniors: These values change with age and muscle mass decline.
In Women: Hormonal cycles and hydration status may influence interpretation.
In Athletes: High protein intake or muscle turnover can affect levels.
Fasting glucose vs HOMA-IR: Key Differences Explained
Discover the differences between Fasting glucose and HOMA-IR to understand their health implications.

Written by
Mito Team

Introduction
Fasting Glucose and HOMA-IR are essential biomarkers used to evaluate kidney function and overall metabolic health.
What Is Fasting Glucose?
Fasting Glucose helps assess the body’s ability to filter waste and maintain fluid balance.
What Is HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR gives clinicians a ratio-based insight, often improving diagnostic accuracy in conjunction with Fasting Glucose.
Comparison Table
Feature | FASTING-GLUCOSE | HOMA-IR |
---|---|---|
Primary Function | FASTING-GLUCOSE detects or regulates processes related to inflammation, immunity, or metabolism. | HOMA-IR plays a role in monitoring or responding to chronic or acute physiological changes. |
Diagnostic Relevance | Used to evaluate conditions linked to elevated fasting-glucose levels such as infections or autoimmune disorders. | Helps assess disorders associated with abnormal homa-ir concentrations. |
Speed of Response | Responds rapidly to changes in health status or inflammation. | May rise or fall over a longer period. |
Specificity | FASTING-GLUCOSE offers relatively specific insight into related disease activity. | HOMA-IR may be influenced by multiple unrelated conditions. |
Clinical Use | Commonly ordered to guide treatment plans involving fasting-glucose pathways. | Used in clinical decision-making where homa-ir patterns are relevant. |
Measurement Units | Varies depending on assay (e.g., mg/L, ng/mL). | Also varies by lab method and clinical context. |
Normal Range | Reference range depends on lab standards and population norms. | Interpretation requires context from other biomarkers. |
Best Use Case | Effective when monitoring specific inflammation or disease progression via FASTING-GLUCOSE. | Useful as part of a broader diagnostic panel involving HOMA-IR. |
What They Tell You
Fasting Glucose provides foundational insight, while HOMA-IR enhances interpretation when both markers are tested together.
Clinical Use Cases
Doctors may order both tests when investigating causes of fatigue, swelling, or changes in urine output.
Which One Should You Get?
Often, both are tested together to interpret kidney function more precisely, especially in hospitalized or chronic care patients.
Can They Be Used Together?
Yes. Combined interpretation offers more context and accuracy in diagnosing renal and systemic conditions.
When to See a Doctor
If either Fasting Glucose or HOMA-IR shows abnormal trends, especially with symptoms, follow up with a nephrologist or primary care provider.
FAQs
Does diet affect the results? Yes, high protein intake or dehydration can shift values.
Can I rely on just one? The ratio (HOMA-IR) is only meaningful when Fasting Glucose and BUN are both measured.
Are these tests routine? Yes, especially for those with risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Optional Value-Add
In Seniors: These values change with age and muscle mass decline.
In Women: Hormonal cycles and hydration status may influence interpretation.
In Athletes: High protein intake or muscle turnover can affect levels.
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Fasting glucose vs HOMA-IR: Key Differences Explained
Discover the differences between Fasting glucose and HOMA-IR to understand their health implications.

Written by
Mito Team

Introduction
Fasting Glucose and HOMA-IR are essential biomarkers used to evaluate kidney function and overall metabolic health.
What Is Fasting Glucose?
Fasting Glucose helps assess the body’s ability to filter waste and maintain fluid balance.
What Is HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR gives clinicians a ratio-based insight, often improving diagnostic accuracy in conjunction with Fasting Glucose.
Comparison Table
Feature | FASTING-GLUCOSE | HOMA-IR |
---|---|---|
Primary Function | FASTING-GLUCOSE detects or regulates processes related to inflammation, immunity, or metabolism. | HOMA-IR plays a role in monitoring or responding to chronic or acute physiological changes. |
Diagnostic Relevance | Used to evaluate conditions linked to elevated fasting-glucose levels such as infections or autoimmune disorders. | Helps assess disorders associated with abnormal homa-ir concentrations. |
Speed of Response | Responds rapidly to changes in health status or inflammation. | May rise or fall over a longer period. |
Specificity | FASTING-GLUCOSE offers relatively specific insight into related disease activity. | HOMA-IR may be influenced by multiple unrelated conditions. |
Clinical Use | Commonly ordered to guide treatment plans involving fasting-glucose pathways. | Used in clinical decision-making where homa-ir patterns are relevant. |
Measurement Units | Varies depending on assay (e.g., mg/L, ng/mL). | Also varies by lab method and clinical context. |
Normal Range | Reference range depends on lab standards and population norms. | Interpretation requires context from other biomarkers. |
Best Use Case | Effective when monitoring specific inflammation or disease progression via FASTING-GLUCOSE. | Useful as part of a broader diagnostic panel involving HOMA-IR. |
What They Tell You
Fasting Glucose provides foundational insight, while HOMA-IR enhances interpretation when both markers are tested together.
Clinical Use Cases
Doctors may order both tests when investigating causes of fatigue, swelling, or changes in urine output.
Which One Should You Get?
Often, both are tested together to interpret kidney function more precisely, especially in hospitalized or chronic care patients.
Can They Be Used Together?
Yes. Combined interpretation offers more context and accuracy in diagnosing renal and systemic conditions.
When to See a Doctor
If either Fasting Glucose or HOMA-IR shows abnormal trends, especially with symptoms, follow up with a nephrologist or primary care provider.
FAQs
Does diet affect the results? Yes, high protein intake or dehydration can shift values.
Can I rely on just one? The ratio (HOMA-IR) is only meaningful when Fasting Glucose and BUN are both measured.
Are these tests routine? Yes, especially for those with risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Optional Value-Add
In Seniors: These values change with age and muscle mass decline.
In Women: Hormonal cycles and hydration status may influence interpretation.
In Athletes: High protein intake or muscle turnover can affect levels.
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Fasting glucose vs HOMA-IR: Key Differences Explained
Discover the differences between Fasting glucose and HOMA-IR to understand their health implications.

Written by
Mito Team

Introduction
Fasting Glucose and HOMA-IR are essential biomarkers used to evaluate kidney function and overall metabolic health.
What Is Fasting Glucose?
Fasting Glucose helps assess the body’s ability to filter waste and maintain fluid balance.
What Is HOMA-IR?
HOMA-IR gives clinicians a ratio-based insight, often improving diagnostic accuracy in conjunction with Fasting Glucose.
Comparison Table
Feature | FASTING-GLUCOSE | HOMA-IR |
---|---|---|
Primary Function | FASTING-GLUCOSE detects or regulates processes related to inflammation, immunity, or metabolism. | HOMA-IR plays a role in monitoring or responding to chronic or acute physiological changes. |
Diagnostic Relevance | Used to evaluate conditions linked to elevated fasting-glucose levels such as infections or autoimmune disorders. | Helps assess disorders associated with abnormal homa-ir concentrations. |
Speed of Response | Responds rapidly to changes in health status or inflammation. | May rise or fall over a longer period. |
Specificity | FASTING-GLUCOSE offers relatively specific insight into related disease activity. | HOMA-IR may be influenced by multiple unrelated conditions. |
Clinical Use | Commonly ordered to guide treatment plans involving fasting-glucose pathways. | Used in clinical decision-making where homa-ir patterns are relevant. |
Measurement Units | Varies depending on assay (e.g., mg/L, ng/mL). | Also varies by lab method and clinical context. |
Normal Range | Reference range depends on lab standards and population norms. | Interpretation requires context from other biomarkers. |
Best Use Case | Effective when monitoring specific inflammation or disease progression via FASTING-GLUCOSE. | Useful as part of a broader diagnostic panel involving HOMA-IR. |
What They Tell You
Fasting Glucose provides foundational insight, while HOMA-IR enhances interpretation when both markers are tested together.
Clinical Use Cases
Doctors may order both tests when investigating causes of fatigue, swelling, or changes in urine output.
Which One Should You Get?
Often, both are tested together to interpret kidney function more precisely, especially in hospitalized or chronic care patients.
Can They Be Used Together?
Yes. Combined interpretation offers more context and accuracy in diagnosing renal and systemic conditions.
When to See a Doctor
If either Fasting Glucose or HOMA-IR shows abnormal trends, especially with symptoms, follow up with a nephrologist or primary care provider.
FAQs
Does diet affect the results? Yes, high protein intake or dehydration can shift values.
Can I rely on just one? The ratio (HOMA-IR) is only meaningful when Fasting Glucose and BUN are both measured.
Are these tests routine? Yes, especially for those with risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Optional Value-Add
In Seniors: These values change with age and muscle mass decline.
In Women: Hormonal cycles and hydration status may influence interpretation.
In Athletes: High protein intake or muscle turnover can affect levels.
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What's included
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching
Duo Bundle (For 2)
Most popular
$798
$668
$130 off (17%)
Individual
$399
$349
$50 off (13%)
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.
What's included
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching
Duo Bundle (For 2)
Most popular
$798
$668
$130 off (17%)
Individual
$399
$349
$50 off (13%)
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.
What's included
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching
Duo Bundle (For 2)
Most popular
$798
$668
$130 off (17%)
Individual
$399
$349
$50 off (13%)
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching
What's included
Duo Bundle (For 2)
Most popular
$798
$668
$130 off (17%)
Individual
$399
$349
$50 off (13%)