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 insulin and glucose measurements. These are important markers in assessing metabolic health and diabetes risk.

2. How Do the Calculators Work?

The calculators use the following equations:

Where:

• Fasting Insulin — Measured in μU/L (microinternational units per liter)
• Fasting Glucose — Measured in mmol/L (millimoles per liter)
• 22.5 — Normalization constant for HOMA-IR
• 20 and 3.5 — Constants for HOMA-B calculation

3. Importance of HOMA Calculations

Details: HOMA-IR provides an estimate of insulin resistance, while HOMA-B estimates pancreatic beta-cell function. These values are crucial for assessing metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, and diabetes management.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fasting insulin in μU/L and fasting glucose in mmol/L. Both values must be greater than zero, and glucose cannot be exactly 3.5 mmol/L for HOMA-B calculation.

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. Lower values suggest impaired function, while higher values may indicate compensatory hyperinsulinemia.

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: HOMA provides estimates rather than direct measurements and may be less accurate in certain populations or extreme metabolic conditions.

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