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 assessment 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 equation calculates insulin resistance by assessing the relationship between fasting insulin and glucose levels, with 405 as the normalization factor.

3. Importance of HOMA-IR Calculation

Details: HOMA-IR is crucial for assessing insulin resistance, which is associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, 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 calculation.

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 insulin and glucose be measured?
A: Both should be measured after an 8-12 hour fasting period for accurate results.

Q3: Are there limitations to HOMA-IR?
A: HOMA-IR provides an estimate and may not be as accurate as more complex tests like hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp.

Q4: Can HOMA-IR be used for diagnosis?
A: It's a screening tool and should be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments for diagnosis.

Q5: How often should HOMA-IR be measured?
A: Frequency depends on individual risk factors and should be determined by a healthcare provider.