HOMA Equations:
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HOMA (Homeostatic Model Assessment) includes two key calculations: HOMA-IR measures insulin resistance, while HOMA-B assesses beta cell function. These are valuable tools in diabetes research and clinical assessment of glucose metabolism.
The calculators use the following equations:
Where:
Explanation: HOMA-IR quantifies insulin resistance, with higher values indicating greater resistance. HOMA-B estimates pancreatic beta cell function as a percentage of normal.
Details: These calculations help in assessing insulin sensitivity and beta cell function, which are crucial for diagnosing prediabetes, monitoring diabetes progression, and evaluating metabolic syndrome.
Tips: Enter fasting insulin in μU/L and fasting glucose in mmol/L. Both values must be positive. For HOMA-B calculation, glucose must be greater than 3.5 mmol/L to avoid mathematical errors.
Q1: What are normal HOMA-IR values?
A: Typically, HOMA-IR values below 2.0 are considered normal, though this may vary by population and laboratory standards.
Q2: What does HOMA-B indicate?
A: HOMA-B estimates pancreatic beta cell function, with 100% representing normal function. Lower values indicate impaired beta cell function.
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: Yes, they are estimates rather than direct measurements and may be less accurate in certain conditions like liver disease or extreme obesity.
Q5: Can HOMA replace glucose tolerance tests?
A: No, HOMA provides different information and should complement rather than replace oral glucose tolerance tests in clinical assessment.