1. What Is The HOMA-IR Index?

The HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) is a method used to quantify insulin resistance and beta-cell function. It's calculated from fasting insulin and glucose levels, providing an estimate of insulin sensitivity.

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 equation estimates insulin resistance by assessing the relationship between fasting insulin and glucose levels. Higher values indicate greater insulin resistance.

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.

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: How often should HOMA-IR be measured?
A: HOMA-IR is typically measured during metabolic assessments or when monitoring insulin resistance in at-risk individuals.

Q3: Are there limitations to HOMA-IR?
A: While useful for population studies, HOMA-IR may not be as accurate as more direct measures of insulin sensitivity like hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps.

Q4: Can HOMA-IR predict diabetes risk?
A: Elevated HOMA-IR values are associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Q5: How does HOMA-IR relate to other metabolic parameters?
A: HOMA-IR often correlates with other markers of metabolic health, including BMI, waist circumference, and lipid profiles.