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 from fasting blood glucose and insulin 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, with higher values indicating greater insulin resistance.

3. Importance of HOMA-IR Calculation

Details: HOMA-IR is a valuable tool for assessing insulin resistance, which is associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions.

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, use values from a true fasting state (8-12 hours without food).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal HOMA-IR value?
A: Typically, values below 2.0 are considered normal, though this may vary by population and laboratory standards.

Q2: When should HOMA-IR testing be done?
A: It's best performed after an overnight fast (8-12 hours) for accurate assessment of fasting insulin and glucose levels.

Q3: Are there limitations to HOMA-IR?
A: While useful for research and clinical assessment, HOMA-IR may not capture all aspects of insulin resistance and should be interpreted in clinical context.

Q4: Can HOMA-IR be used for diagnosis?
A: HOMA-IR is a screening tool and research measure rather than a diagnostic test. Clinical diagnosis should be based on comprehensive assessment.

Q5: How often should HOMA-IR be measured?
A: Frequency depends on individual risk factors and clinical context, typically as part of metabolic health assessments.