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 a simple way to assess insulin resistance using fasting insulin and glucose levels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the HOMA-IR formula:

Where:

• Fasting Insulin — Measured in μU/mL
• Fasting Glucose — Measured in mg/dL

Explanation: The formula calculates 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/mL and fasting glucose in mg/dL. Both values must be valid (greater than 0). For accurate results, measurements should be taken after an overnight fast.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal HOMA-IR value?
A: Typically, values below 2.0 are considered normal, while values above 2.5-3.0 may indicate insulin resistance.

Q2: When should HOMA-IR be measured?
A: Measurements should be taken after an overnight fast of 8-12 hours for accurate results.

Q3: Are there limitations to HOMA-IR?
A: While useful for population studies, HOMA-IR may not be as accurate for individual clinical diagnosis compared to more sophisticated tests like hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp.

Q4: Can HOMA-IR be used for diabetes diagnosis?
A: HOMA-IR is primarily used to assess insulin resistance, not for diabetes diagnosis. Standard glucose tolerance tests are preferred for diabetes diagnosis.

Q5: How often should HOMA-IR be measured?
A: Frequency depends on individual risk factors and clinical context. Typically measured during metabolic health assessments or when monitoring treatment response.