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HOMA-β Calculator
HOMA-β (Homeostatic Model Assessment of β-cell function) estimates the secretory capacity of pancreatic beta-cells using fasting glucose and insulin levels.
While HOMA-IR measures insulin resistance, HOMA-β measures function. A value of 100% represents normal beta-cell function in a healthy reference population. Values decrease as beta-cell function declines (e.g., in late-stage Type 2 Diabetes).
Fasting Values
InputsResults
Normal: 100%
Valid only if Glucose > 63 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L).
Clinical Context
Formula (US Units):
HOMA-β = (360 × Insulin [μIU/mL]) / (Glucose [mg/dL] − 63)
Formula (SI Units):
HOMA-β = (20 × Insulin [μIU/mL]) / (Glucose [mmol/L] − 3.5)
Interpretation:
• 100%: Normal function (theoretical reference).
• < 100%: Beta-cell dysfunction (Impaired insulin secretion).
• > 100%: Hypersecretion (often compensatory in early insulin resistance).
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to calculate HOMA-β.
Input Glucose
Enter fasting glucose. The calculation is only valid if glucose is > 63 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L).
Input Insulin
Enter fasting insulin. You can use μIU/mL or pmol/L.
Interpret Result
The result is a percentage. Low percentages indicate diminishing beta-cell function.
Frequently Asked Questions
If fasting glucose is ≤ 63 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L), the denominator becomes zero or negative, making the HOMA-β calculation mathematically impossible.
No. In Type 1 Diabetes, beta-cells are destroyed, and endogenous insulin levels are extremely low or undetectable, rendering HOMA models invalid.