1. What is HOMA-IR With C Peptide?

HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) using C-peptide is a method to estimate insulin resistance. It uses C-peptide levels instead of insulin, which can be advantageous as C-peptide has a longer half-life and provides a more stable measurement of insulin secretion.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the HOMA-IR (CP) equation:

Where:

• Fasting Glucose — Measured in mmol/L
• Fasting C-Peptide — Measured in nmol/L
• 22.5 — Normalization constant

Explanation: This formula estimates insulin resistance by assessing the relationship between fasting glucose and C-peptide levels, which reflects pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin secretion.

3. Importance of HOMA-IR Calculation

Details: HOMA-IR is a valuable tool for assessing insulin resistance, which is associated with various metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Using C-peptide instead of insulin can provide more consistent results in certain clinical situations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fasting glucose in mmol/L and fasting C-peptide in nmol/L. Both values should be from the same fasting blood sample for accurate results. Normal HOMA-IR values typically range from 0.5-1.4, with higher values indicating greater insulin resistance.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use C-peptide instead of insulin for HOMA-IR?
A: C-peptide has a longer half-life than insulin, providing a more stable measurement of insulin secretion. It's not cleared by the liver and shows less fluctuation than insulin levels.

Q2: What are normal HOMA-IR values?
A: Normal HOMA-IR values typically range from 0.5-1.4. Values above 1.9 indicate early insulin resistance, and values above 2.9 indicate significant insulin resistance.

Q3: When should this test be performed?
A: The test should be performed after an 8-12 hour fast. Avoid testing during illness or if you've recently changed medication that affects glucose metabolism.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: HOMA-IR is an estimate and may not be accurate in all populations, particularly those with type 1 diabetes, liver disease, or advanced kidney disease.

Q5: How does HOMA-IR with C-peptide compare to traditional HOMA-IR?
A: Both assess insulin resistance, but the C-peptide version may be more stable and reliable in certain clinical scenarios, especially when insulin assays are inconsistent.