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 glucose and insulin levels.

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 calculating the product of fasting insulin and glucose levels, normalized by a constant factor.

3. Importance of HOMA-IR Calculation

Details: HOMA-IR is widely used in clinical research and practice to assess insulin resistance, which is associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

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: Typically, HOMA-IR values below 2.0 are considered normal, while values above 2.9 may indicate insulin resistance.

Q2: When should insulin and glucose be measured?
A: Both should be measured from a fasting blood sample (typically 8-12 hours fasting) for accurate results.

Q3: Are there limitations to HOMA-IR?
A: HOMA-IR provides an estimate rather than a direct measurement of insulin resistance and may be less accurate in certain populations.

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 alone for diagnosis.

Q5: What factors can affect HOMA-IR results?
A: Recent food intake, medications, stress, and physical activity can all influence insulin and glucose levels.