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 calculations help assess metabolic health and diabetes risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the HOMA equations:

Where:

• Fasting Insulin — Measured in μU/L
• Fasting Glucose — Measured in mmol/L
• 22.5 — Normalization constant for HOMA-IR
• 20 and 3.5 — Constants for HOMA-B calculation

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

3. Importance of HOMA Calculations

Details: These calculations are important for assessing insulin sensitivity, identifying insulin resistance, evaluating beta-cell function, and monitoring metabolic health in research and clinical settings.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fasting insulin in μU/L and fasting glucose in mmol/L. Both values must be positive numbers. 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: Normal HOMA-IR values are typically below 2.0, though this may vary by population. Values above 2.5 often indicate insulin resistance.

Q2: What do HOMA-B values indicate?
A: HOMA-B estimates 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: Fasting insulin and glucose should be measured after an overnight fast (8-12 hours) for accurate results.

Q4: Are there limitations to HOMA calculations?
A: Yes, HOMA provides estimates rather than direct measurements and may be less accurate in certain populations or extreme metabolic conditions.

Q5: Can HOMA replace more complex tests?
A: While useful for screening and research, HOMA cannot replace gold-standard methods like hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps for precise measurement.