Test Details: Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) is a method for assessing pancreatic β-cell function. The insulin resistance is calculated from levels of fasting glucose and insulin or C-peptide concentrations. HOMA can be used to track changes in insulin sensitivity and beta cell function to examine natural history of diabetes. Insulin sensitivity is reduced in normal subjects having first degree relative with type 2 diabetes compared with control subjects. Also obesity, especially excess of fat in the abdomen and around the organs, called visceral fat, has been identified as one of the main causes of insulin resistance.