HOMA Index, also known as HOMA Index or HOMA-IR Index, is a parameter that allows you to evaluate insulin resistance. This index is calculated when insulin resistance is suspected - for example, in abdominal obesity, problems with weight loss, excessive sleepiness, elevated glucose levels. What tests do you need to do to calculate the HOMA-IR index and how to do it?

HOMA Index(HOMA Index, HOMA-IR Index) is an acronym for Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance. This name is usually heard by patients of GPs, endocrinologists and diabetologists.

It is also often encountered by people who are looking - for example on the Internet - for a possible cause of their poor he alth and well-being: problems with excessive sleepiness, overweight which occurs despite a seemingly normal diet, problems with losing unnecessary kilograms, as well as increased pressure. All these symptoms may indicate insulin resistance - and the HOMA index allows you to determine whether a person actually has this problem.

HOMA indicator- what is it?

HOMAis a parameter that allows the doctor to assess the proportion between glucose concentration and insulin secreted by the pancreas. The result shows how the patient's body is responding to insulin and whether the cells' sensitivity to insulin is adequate.

Why is it so important? Thanks to insulin, produced by pancreatic cells and secreted after a meal, e.g. so that organs like the liver as well as muscles and fat can work properly. Thanks to insulin, glucose can penetrate the tissues. Lack of sensitivity to this hormone can lead to pre-diabetes and even type 2 diabetes.

How to calculate the HOMA index?

The HOMA index can be calculated on the basis of the results of tests that may be ordered by the he alth care physician - measurements of fasting glucose and insulin levels in blood serum. HOMA-IR test packages are available in many diagnostic laboratories - if a patient benefits from such a test, the HOMA index is usually calculated by the laboratory.

The research itself is very simple: it istaking blood and then analyzing it. You must come for the examination on an empty stomach; they should also be repeated several times for the result to be reliable (the level of insulin may fluctuate). The result is assessed on the basis of the mean calculated from all analyzes.

HOMA can also be calculated from other tests, such as a test known as a glucose-insulin curve.

Then follow the formula: fasting insulin level (mu / ml) x fasting blood glucose (mmol / l) / 22.5

HOMA-IR=fasting insulin mU / ml x fasting glucose (mmol / l) _____________________________________________________

22,5

HOMA-IR indicator - what are the standards?

The norm for the HOMA-IR index is less than 1. If the test result is higher, further tests are necessary, which the doctor orders based on the obtained result.

Insulin resistance is confirmed by a result above 2 - to confirm it, the doctor may order additional tests (if they have not been performed) - e.g. the glucose-insulin curve (or oral glucose tolerance test), or the measurement of proinsulin level. The doctor should also calculate the so-called Quicki (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index).

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