HOMA-IR Calculator (Insulin Resistance, HOMA-%B and QUICKI)

What this tool does

The homeostasis model assessment, published by Matthews and colleagues in 1985, estimates insulin resistance from a single fasting blood sample: glucose in mmol/L times insulin in µU/mL, divided by 22.5 (or glucose in mg/dL times insulin, divided by 405). Higher values mean the body needs more insulin to hold glucose steady. There is no single agreed cut-off, and studies have used anywhere from about 1.5 to 3 depending on the population, so it is best read as a trend for the same lab. QUICKI, from Katz and colleagues in 2000, uses logarithms and falls as resistance rises, averaging roughly 0.38 in lean healthy people. Both need a true fast of 8–12 hours.

Formula

HOMA-IR = glucose (mmol/L) × insulin (µU/mL) ÷ 22.5 · HOMA-%B = 20 × insulin ÷ (glucose − 3.5) · QUICKI = 1 ÷ log₁₀(insulin × glucose in mg/dL)

Variables

Worked example

Limitations

• This tool is informational only. It does not diagnose, treat or replace a qualified health professional. Speak to a doctor before making decisions about your health.
• For work that must comply with a standard or be signed off, check the result against the applicable code and have it reviewed by a qualified engineer.