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

HOMA (Homeostatic Model Assessment) consists of two indices: HOMA-B estimates beta cell function, while HOMA-IR assesses insulin resistance. These are calculated from fasting insulin and glucose levels.

2. How Do The Calculators Work?

The calculators use the HOMA equations:

Where:

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

Explanation: HOMA-B reflects pancreatic beta cell function, while HOMA-IR indicates the degree of insulin resistance in peripheral tissues.

3. Importance of HOMA Calculations

Details: These indices are valuable for assessing metabolic health, identifying insulin resistance patterns, and evaluating diabetes risk in clinical and research settings.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter fasting insulin in μU/L and fasting glucose in mmol/L. Both values must be positive numbers obtained from proper fasting blood tests.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are normal HOMA values?
A: Normal HOMA-IR is typically <2.5, while HOMA-B values vary but generally range between 60-200% in healthy individuals.

Q2: When should these tests be performed?
A: After an overnight fast of 8-12 hours, avoiding medications or conditions that might affect glucose or insulin levels.

Q3: Are there limitations to HOMA calculations?
A: Yes, they provide estimates rather than direct measurements and may be less accurate in certain populations or extreme metabolic states.

Q4: Can HOMA replace more complex tests?
A: While useful for screening and research, complex glucose tolerance tests or hyperinsulinemic clamps provide more precise assessments when needed.

Q5: How often should HOMA be calculated?
A: Frequency depends on clinical context - for monitoring metabolic changes, every 3-6 months might be appropriate in at-risk individuals.