HOMA-IR Calculator (Insulin Resistance)
Calculate Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Estimates insulin sensitivity using fasting glucose and insulin levels with automatic unit conversion.
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About
Insulin resistance often develops years before blood sugar levels rise high enough to trigger a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis. The Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) provides a quantified estimate of beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity. Unlike HbA1c, which reflects a 3-month average of glucose, HOMA-IR identifies the metabolic effort required to maintain that glucose level. A high score indicates the pancreas allows glucose to rise despite high insulin output.
This tool serves endocrinologists and metabolic researchers by standardizing the calculation across different unit systems. It eliminates manual conversion errors between molar units (mmol/L) and mass units (mg/dL).
Formulas
The core algorithm varies based on the glucose unit used. The relationship models the feedback loop between the liver (glucose production) and beta-cells (insulin secretion).
For SI Units (mmol/L):
Glucose × Insulin22.5For Conventional Units (mg/dL):
Glucose × Insulin405Reference Data
| HOMA-IR Range | Classification | Clinical Implication |
|---|---|---|
| < 1.0 | Optimal | High insulin sensitivity. Low cardiovascular risk. |
| 1.0 - 1.9 | Early Resistance | Borderline. Lifestyle intervention recommended. |
| 2.0 - 2.9 | Significant Resistance | Metric warrants further metabolic investigation. |
| > 2.9 | Severe Resistance | Strong correlation with Type 2 Diabetes pathology. |
| > 5.0 | Critical | Often seen in untreated T2D or severe hyperinsulinemia. |