1. What is HOMA-IR and HOMA-B?

HOMA (Homeostatic Model Assessment) is a method used to quantify insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta-cell function (HOMA-B) from fasting glucose and insulin concentrations. These calculations help assess metabolic health and diabetes risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the HOMA formulas:

Where:

• Fasting Insulin — Measured in μU/L
• Fasting Glucose — Measured in mmol/L

Explanation: HOMA-IR estimates insulin resistance, while HOMA-B estimates pancreatic beta-cell function.

3. Importance of HOMA Calculations

Details: These calculations are valuable for assessing metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes risk. They provide insights into insulin sensitivity and pancreatic function.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fasting insulin in μU/L and fasting glucose in mmol/L. Both values must be valid (greater than 0). For HOMA-B calculation, glucose must be greater than 3.5 mmol/L.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are normal HOMA-IR values?
A: Typically, HOMA-IR values below 2.0 are considered normal, while values above 2.9 indicate significant insulin resistance.

Q2: What do HOMA-B values indicate?
A: HOMA-B values around 100% indicate normal beta-cell function. Higher values may indicate compensatory hyperinsulinemia, while lower values suggest impaired beta-cell function.

Q3: When should these tests be performed?
A: After an overnight fast (8-12 hours), avoiding strenuous exercise and medications that affect glucose metabolism before testing.

Q4: Are there limitations to HOMA calculations?
A: Yes, they are less accurate in extreme conditions and may not reflect dynamic changes in glucose metabolism throughout the day.

Q5: Can HOMA replace glucose tolerance tests?
A: While useful for screening, HOMA calculations cannot replace oral glucose tolerance tests for definitive diabetes diagnosis.