HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) estimates insulin resistance from fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Higher values indicate greater insulin resistance. It was developed by Matthews et al. in 1985 as a surrogate for the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp.

HOMA-%B estimates pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion capacity: (360 × Insulin) / (Glucose − 63). Low values suggest β-cell dysfunction and predict progression toward diabetes. Not valid when fasting glucose ≤ 63 mg/dL.

📊 HOMA-IR Calculator Insulin Resistance Index

Q: What is a normal HOMA-IR value?

Generally, HOMA-IR < 1.0 is normal, 1.0–2.5 borderline, and ≥ 2.5 suggests insulin resistance. Thresholds vary by population (ethnicity, BMI) and by assay used for insulin measurement, so results must be interpreted in clinical context.

Q: Which conditions are linked to insulin resistance?

Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and certain endocrine disorders. HOMA-IR is widely used in research but is an adjunctive tool clinically.

Calculate HOMA-IR (insulin resistance) and HOMA-%B (β-cell function) from fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Matthews 1985 equation.

Fasting Glucose Units: mg/dL (after ≥ 8 hours of fasting)

Fasting Insulin Units: μU/mL (= mIU/L)

📊 Results

📋 HOMA-IR Reference Ranges

Category	HOMA-IR	Interpretation	Action
Normal	< 1.0	Good insulin sensitivity	No specific action needed
Borderline	1.0 – 2.5	Possible mild insulin resistance	Lifestyle intervention (diet, exercise)
Insulin Resistance	2.5 – 5.0	Significant insulin resistance	Intensive lifestyle change; evaluate for MetS, NAFLD, PCOS
Severe	> 5.0	Severe insulin resistance	Specialist referral; consider pharmacotherapy

🔍 Associated Conditions

🩺 Type 2 Diabetes

Persistent insulin resistance with eventual β-cell exhaustion underlies most type 2 diabetes.

💊 Metabolic Syndrome

Central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia — insulin resistance is the shared mechanism.

🫁 NAFLD / MASLD

Non-alcoholic (metabolic-associated) fatty liver disease. HOMA-IR is an independent risk factor and severity marker.

🩷 PCOS

50–70% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome have insulin resistance; HOMA-IR supports diagnosis and guides metformin decisions.

📐 Formulas

HOMA-IR (insulin resistance)
HOMA-IR = (Fasting Insulin × Fasting Glucose) / 405

HOMA-%B (β-cell function)
HOMA-%B = (360 × Fasting Insulin) / (Fasting Glucose − 63)
* Glucose units: mg/dL; Insulin units: μU/mL
* HOMA-%B requires Glucose > 63 mg/dL (otherwise denominator ≤ 0)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is HOMA-IR? ▼

HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) estimates insulin resistance from fasting glucose and insulin, developed by Matthews et al. in 1985 as a surrogate for the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (the gold standard). It is simple, reproducible, and widely used in research and clinical practice.

What is a normal HOMA-IR value? ▼

Generally, < 1.0 is normal, 1.0–2.5 borderline, and ≥ 2.5 suggests insulin resistance. Cutoffs vary by population, ethnicity, BMI, and by the immunoassay used for insulin, so clinical interpretation should consider the overall picture rather than the number in isolation.

What is HOMA-%B? ▼

HOMA-%B estimates pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion using (360 × Insulin) / (Glucose − 63). Reference is approximately 100% (study-dependent). Declining HOMA-%B over time predicts progression from prediabetes to diabetes and suggests β-cell dysfunction.

Which conditions are linked to insulin resistance? ▼

Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, NAFLD/MASLD, PCOS, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, certain endocrinopathies (Cushing syndrome, acromegaly), and medication-induced states (glucocorticoids, second-generation antipsychotics). Early detection allows reversal through weight loss and exercise.

🔗 Related Calculators

About HOMA-IR

HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) quantifies insulin resistance using only a fasting blood sample, making it far more accessible than the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. It is used for research staging and as an adjunctive screening tool for metabolic syndrome, NAFLD, and PCOS.

HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin × fasting glucose) / 405. Values ≥ 2.5 generally indicate insulin resistance, but population-specific cutoffs should be used when available.

🔗 Next Steps

① HbA1c — 2-3 month glycemic control ② LDL — metabolic syndrome dyslipidemia ③ Blood Pressure — metabolic syndrome criterion

⚠️ Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for educational and reference purposes only. It does not replace clinical judgment and should not be used to guide direct patient care. Insulin immunoassays differ; results may vary between laboratories. No warranty is made regarding accuracy; the operator assumes no liability for direct or indirect harm arising from use.
References: Matthews DR, Hosker JP, Rudenski AS, Naylor BA, Treacher DF, Turner RC. Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and β-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in man. Diabetologia. 1985;28(7):412-419.