HOMA index: what it means, reference values ​​and what it indicates

The HOMA index, whose acronym stands for Homeostasis Assessment Model, is a measure that serves to assess insulin resistance, better known as HOMA-IR, and pancreas activity, known as HOMA-BETA, aiding asimism in the diagnosis of diabetes.

When the results of this index are above the reference values, you want to decide that there is a greater probability of developing cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.

To carry out this exam, the person must remain in a day for at least 8 hours, then a small sample of blood will be obtained to be analyzed in the laboratory, taking into account the concentration of glucose in the days as well as the quantity of insulin produced by the body.

Normal values ​​of the HOMA index

The normal values ​​of the HOMA index for adults are:

• HOMA-IR Reference Value: less than 3.4;
• HOMA-BETA Reference Value: between 167 and 175.

The reference values ​​can vary according to the laboratory in which the exam is carried out, in addition to that they can also vary in the case of children and adolescents with a Body Mass Index (BMI).

Formula to calculate the HOMA index

The HOMA index is determined through mathematical formulas that are related to the amount of sugar in the blood and the amount of insulin produced by the body, the calculations include:

• Formula to assess insulin resistance (HOMA-IR): [(Glucemia (mg/dL) x 0,0555) x Insulina (ui/ml)] ÷ 22.5

Enter the result of your blood glucose and insulin test on the calculator below to find out your HOMA-IR index:

How to understand the result

Based on the results of the examination, the doctor can assess whether the pancreas is working correctly, whether there is a risk of decompensated diabetes or diabetes development:

high HOMA index

When the values ​​of the Homa index are higher than the reference values, you can indicate:

• Insulin resistance;
• Malfunction of pancreas cells;
• increased risk of type 2 diabetes;
• Increased risk of metabolic syndrome;
• decompensated diabetes;
• Diabetic ketoacidosis.

Normally, in these situations it is possible that the person has a greater risk of having alterations in the levels of cholesterol and the presence of fat in the blood vessels, which increases the risk of infarction and ACV. Therefore, it is important that the Homa index be evaluated by the doctor, taking into account the results of other tests that may be requested.

To find out what the risk of developing cardiovascular problems is, use the calculator indicated below:

What does low HOMA-beta index mean

When the values ​​of the Homa-beta index are below the reference value, it is an indication that the cells of the pancreas are not working properly, because not enough insulin is produced, which can cause an increase in blood glucose.