HOMA-IR Calculator
Calculate HOMA-IR and QUICKI from fasting glucose and insulin to assess insulin resistance. Free health assessment tool with charts and interpretation.
About This Calculator
The HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) calculator is a widely used clinical and research tool that estimates insulin resistance from two simple blood test values: fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Developed by Matthews et al. in 1985, HOMA-IR provides a noninvasive alternative to the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp method, which is the gold standard but costly and invasive. This calculator also computes the QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index), a complementary index developed by Katz et al. in 2000, giving you a more complete picture of your insulin sensitivity.
Who should use this calculator?
This calculator is designed for individuals who have fasting glucose and fasting insulin lab results and want to assess their insulin resistance status. It is commonly used by healthcare professionals, researchers, and health-conscious individuals monitoring metabolic health. People with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and obesity may particularly benefit from assessing their HOMA-IR.
Methodology
HOMA-IR is calculated using the formula: HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin in mU/L × fasting glucose in mg/dL) / 405. If glucose is measured in mmol/L, the formula becomes HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin × fasting glucose) / 22.5. The QUICKI index is calculated as QUICKI = 1 / (log₁₀(insulin) + log₁₀(glucose)) where glucose is in mg/dL. A HOMA-IR value above 2.0 generally suggests insulin resistance, while a QUICKI value below 0.45 indicates reduced insulin sensitivity. Both indices should be interpreted together with other clinical findings and by a qualified healthcare professional.
Regional Notes
India (IN): The ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) recommends HOMA-IR cutoff of 2.0 for identifying insulin resistance in the Indian population, though some studies suggest a lower cutoff of 1.5-1.7 may be more appropriate for South Asians who tend to have higher insulin resistance at lower BMIs. Glucose is typically measured in mg/dL in India.
United States (US): The ADA (American Diabetes Association) does not formally endorse specific HOMA-IR cutoffs for clinical diagnosis, but the research cutoff of 2.0 is widely used. Glucose is typically measured in mg/dL. HOMA-IR is commonly used in metabolic research and by endocrinologists.
United Kingdom (UK): In the UK, glucose is typically measured in mmol/L. The corresponding HOMA-IR formula uses the divisor 22.5. The UK has strong research traditions in metabolic health, and HOMA-IR is frequently used in clinical studies but less commonly in routine primary care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HOMA-IR and how is it calculated?
HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) is calculated using the formula: HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin × fasting glucose) / 405 when glucose is in mg/dL, or HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin × fasting glucose) / 22.5 when glucose is in mmol/L. A value above 2 generally suggests insulin resistance.
What is the QUICKI index and how does it differ from HOMA-IR?
QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) is calculated as 1 / (log10(insulin) + log10(glucose)) with insulin in mU/L and glucose in mg/dL. Unlike HOMA-IR where higher values indicate more resistance, lower QUICKI values indicate higher resistance. QUICKI above 0.45 is normal, 0.30-0.45 may indicate insulin resistance, and below 0.30 may indicate diabetes.
What is a normal HOMA-IR range?
A HOMA-IR value below 1.0 is considered normal with healthy insulin sensitivity. Values between 1.0 and 2.0 are borderline and may indicate early insulin resistance. Values above 2.0 suggest insulin resistance and warrant consultation with a healthcare provider. Note that cutoffs vary between populations and ethnic groups.
What fasting glucose units does this calculator support?
This calculator supports both mg/dL (commonly used in the US, India, and other countries) and mmol/L (commonly used in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe). Simply toggle between units using the button below the glucose input field. The conversion factor is 1 mmol/L = 18.0182 mg/dL.
Can I rely on this calculator for medical diagnosis?
No. This calculator is for educational and reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. HOMA-IR and QUICKI are screening tools, not diagnostic tests. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for interpretation of your lab results and medical decisions.
How accurate is the HOMA-IR index?
HOMA-IR is a widely validated research tool that correlates well with the gold-standard hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp method. However, it has limitations: it varies between populations, has no universal cutoff, and is less reliable in individuals with very high blood glucose or those on insulin therapy. It is most useful for population studies and as a screening tool rather than a definitive diagnostic test.
What insulin resistance symptoms should I watch for?
Insulin resistance often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, symptoms may include fatigue, brain fog, increased hunger, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), high blood pressure, dark patches on the skin (acanthosis nigricans), and increased thirst and urination. Many people only discover insulin resistance through routine blood tests.
How can I improve my HOMA-IR and insulin sensitivity?
Improving insulin sensitivity involves lifestyle modifications: regular physical activity (especially resistance training and aerobic exercise), a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in refined sugars and processed foods, weight loss if overweight, adequate sleep (7-9 hours), stress management, and limiting alcohol consumption. Some medications like metformin may be prescribed by your doctor. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes.