1. What is HOMA-IR?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the HOMA-IR equation:

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 equation 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 disease risk assessment.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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 insulin and glucose be measured?
A: Both should be measured after an 8-12 hour overnight fast for accurate results.

Q3: Are there limitations to HOMA-IR?
A: HOMA-IR provides an estimate and may not be as accurate as more complex tests like hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, but it's widely used due to its simplicity.

Q4: Can HOMA-IR be used for diagnosis?
A: While useful for screening and research, HOMA-IR should be interpreted alongside other clinical findings and not used as the sole diagnostic tool.

Q5: How often should HOMA-IR be calculated?
A: Frequency depends on clinical context, but it's typically used for initial assessment and monitoring of insulin resistance over time.