Many people are not familiar with HOMA-IR insulin resistance. HOMA is an acronym that stands for “homeostatic model assessment.” This technique (or model) is designed to quantify insulin resistance and beta cell function. IR is a condition that is associated with diabetes because a diabetic’s body does not know how to handle insulin properly. Either the pancreas does not produce enough (or any) insulin, or the body does not use it as it should. Insulin is an essential substance that the body needs to successfully keep blood sugar levels in check. Put simply, insulin resistance takes place when the cells in the body become resistant to the effects of insulin. When this happens, increased amounts of insulin are necessary to be effective. Medical experts have not pinned the onset of insulin resistance on a single factor, but they believe genetics plays a major role. Other risk factors for the …