1. What is HOMA-IR?

HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) is a method used to quantify insulin resistance and beta-cell function. It provides an estimate of insulin resistance from fasting blood glucose and insulin levels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the HOMA-IR formula:

Where:

• Fasting Insulin — Measured in micro units per milliliter (μU/mL)
• Fasting Glucose — Measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L)
• 22.5 — Normalization constant

Explanation: The formula calculates insulin resistance by assessing the relationship between fasting insulin and glucose levels.

3. Importance of HOMA-IR Calculation

Details: HOMA-IR is widely used in clinical research and practice to identify insulin resistance, which is associated with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fasting insulin in μU/mL and fasting glucose in mmol/L. Both values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal HOMA-IR value?
A: Typically, values below 2.0 are considered normal, though this may vary by population and laboratory standards.

Q2: Can HOMA-IR be used for diagnosis?
A: While useful for research and screening, it should not be used alone for clinical diagnosis without additional tests.

Q3: What are the limitations of HOMA-IR?
A: It assumes a linear relationship and may not be accurate in all populations, particularly those with extreme insulin levels.

Q4: How often should HOMA-IR be measured?
A: Frequency depends on clinical context, but it's typically used for initial assessment and monitoring in research settings.

Q5: Are there alternative methods?
A: Yes, other methods include the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (gold standard) and oral glucose tolerance tests.