HOMA-IR Calculator

HOMA-IR = fasting glucose × insulin ÷ 405. <1.0 is optimal. Informational — not a diagnosis.

How the Math Works

The HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) calculator uses a simple mathematical formula that combines fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels: HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin [µU/mL] x fasting glucose [mg/dL]) / 405. Some variations use glucose measured in mmol/L with a different divisor. This index reflects the balance between insulin production and glucose regulation in the body, with higher values indicating greater insulin resistance - essentially how hard the pancreas is working to keep blood sugar stable.

Practical Applications

To use this calculator, you need two blood test results obtained in the fasting state (typically after 8-12 hours without food): your fasting glucose level and your fasting insulin level. Enter these values into the calculator, ensuring you use the correct units (glucose in mg/dL or mmol/L depending on the version). The result provides a numerical value that healthcare providers can use to assess your insulin sensitivity, with values above 2.0-3.0 often suggesting insulin resistance, though optimal ranges vary by laboratory and population studied.

Day-to-Day Use

Your HOMA-IR result helps guide practical health decisions in everyday life. If you have insulin resistance, this information empowers you to make targeted lifestyle changes - adjusting your diet to include more fiber and fewer refined carbs, incorporating regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity, or working with your doctor on medication options. Understanding your insulin resistance status helps you recognize risk factors for type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, enabling proactive prevention strategies that can dramatically improve your long-term health and quality of life through simple daily choices like meal planning and exercise routines.

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