Lab Tests for Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when your cells stop responding effectively to insulin, forcing your pancreas to produce more to keep blood sugar in check. Left unchecked, it progresses to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance often causes no obvious symptoms for years, making lab testing the most reliable way to catch it early. A fasting insulin level — combined with fasting glucose — lets you calculate your HOMA-IR score, the gold-standard marker for insulin resistance. JustLabs lets you order these tests online without a doctor visit.
Recommended Tests
Understanding Your Results
| Test | Normal Range | Low Means | High Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting Insulin | <25 mIU/L (optimal <10) | Good insulin sensitivity | Insulin resistance — body overproducing insulin |
| Fasting Glucose | 70–99 mg/dL | Normal glucose regulation | Impaired glucose — insulin not keeping up |
| HbA1c | <5.7% | Normal long-term glucose | Chronic glucose elevation from insulin resistance |
| hs-CRP | <1.0 mg/L (low risk) | Low systemic inflammation | Inflammation — often elevated with insulin resistance |
How to Order
Order Online
Select your tests and pay securely. A licensed physician authorizes your order.
Visit Quest Diagnostics
Walk into any of 2,200+ Quest locations nationwide. No appointment needed.
Get Results
Results available in your account within 1-2 business days.
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Content reviewed for accuracy by the JustLabs editorial team.