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HOMA-IR Calculator
HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) is a validated method to assess insulin resistance and beta-cell function. It is calculated using fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels.
Unlike the euglycemic clamp (the gold standard but invasive), HOMA-IR is derived from a single blood draw, making it useful for large-scale epidemiological studies and clinical screening for Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes risk.
Fasting Values
InputsResults
Healthy: < 1.0
Insulin Resistant: > 2.9
Clinical Context
Formula:
HOMA-IR = (Glucose [mg/dL] × Insulin [μIU/mL]) / 405
Or in SI Units: (Glucose [mmol/L] × Insulin [μIU/mL]) / 22.5
Interpretation:
• < 1.0: Insulin Sensitive (Optimal).
• 1.0 – 1.9: Early Insulin Resistance.
• ≥ 2.9: Significant Insulin Resistance.
Limitations: HOMA-IR is valid only for fasting samples. It is not accurate in patients on exogenous insulin or those with Type 1 Diabetes (beta-cell destruction).
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to calculate HOMA-IR.
Input Glucose
Enter the fasting glucose level. You can use mg/dL or mmol/L; the other field will update automatically.
Input Insulin
Enter the fasting insulin level. You can use μIU/mL or pmol/L.
Interpret Result
The HOMA-IR score will appear instantly. A higher score suggests greater insulin resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. HOMA-IR relies on the feedback loop between the pancreas and liver. In Type 1 Diabetes, the beta-cells are destroyed, breaking this loop.
HOMA-beta is a related calculation that estimates beta-cell function (how well the pancreas produces insulin). HOMA-IR estimates how resistant the body is to that insulin.