1. What is the HOMA-IR Formula?

The HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) formula estimates insulin resistance from fasting insulin and glucose levels. It provides a simple method to assess insulin sensitivity and identify individuals at risk for metabolic disorders.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the HOMA-IR formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates insulin resistance by assessing the relationship between fasting insulin and glucose levels, with higher values indicating greater insulin resistance.

3. Importance of HOMA-IR Calculation

Details: HOMA-IR is crucial for identifying insulin resistance, which is associated with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease risk assessment.

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 fasting blood tests.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are normal HOMA-IR values?
A: Normal HOMA-IR values typically range from 0.5-1.4. Values above 2.0 indicate significant insulin resistance.

Q2: When should HOMA-IR be measured?
A: HOMA-IR should be calculated from fasting blood samples collected after an 8-12 hour overnight fast.

Q3: Are there limitations to HOMA-IR?
A: HOMA-IR is less accurate in individuals with impaired beta-cell function and may not reflect postprandial insulin sensitivity.

Q4: Can HOMA-IR be used for diagnosis?
A: While HOMA-IR is a useful screening tool, clinical diagnosis should be confirmed with additional tests like oral glucose tolerance tests.

Q5: How often should HOMA-IR be monitored?
A: Monitoring frequency depends on individual risk factors, but typically annually for at-risk individuals or as recommended by healthcare providers.