Enter fasting plasma glucose level in mg/dL and fasting insulin level in mIU/L to estimate the HOMA-IR score.
Interpretation of the HOMA IR calculator
It is applicable in patients with suspected insulin resistance. A normal reference range for HOMA-IR is 0.7 to 2.0, with values >2.0 representing clinically significant insulin resistance.
Evaluation of insulin resistance with the HOMA-IR score
HOMA IR is a measure of increased insulin resistance and is calculated by a formula that includes fasting insulin and glucose levels. The higher the HOMA IR, the greater the degree of insulin resistance. In addition, HOMA IR is also a good indicator of beta cell function.
Beta cells are responsible for producing insulin, and when they are not functioning properly, it can lead to increased insulin levels in the blood. This can then lead to an increased risk for diabetes and other health problems.
While HOMA IR is not a perfect measure, it is a good way to get an idea of a patient’s insulin sensitivity and their risk for developing diabetes.
Gold standard for assessing insulin resistance
The gold standard for assessment of insulin resistance, the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic glucose clamp method is cumbersome and not feasible outside research settings.
The Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) score estimates the degree of insulin resistance. It was first published in 1985 and has gained significant clinical application.
Since both fasting insulin and glucose levels are estimated in this score, the score is not applicable to patients on exogenous insulin. The quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and the fasting glucose-to-insulin ratio (FGIR) are alternative measures of insulin resistance. Check out our other endocrinology calculators
References
- Matthews DR, Hosker JP, Rudenski AS, Naylor BA, Treacher DF, Turner RC (1985) Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and beta-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in man. Diabetologia 28:412–419
- Cacho J, Sevillano J, de Castro J, Herrera E, Ramos MP (2008) Validation of simple indexes to assess insulin sensitivity during pregnancy in Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 295:E1269-1276
- Wallace TM, Levy JC, Matthews DR (2004) Use and abuse of HOMA modeling. Diabetes Care 27:1487–1495
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