The Homa Index is a measure that appears in the blood test result that serves to assess insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and pancreatic activity (HOMA-BETA) and, thus, assist in the diagnosis of diabetes.
The word Homa, means Homeostasis Assessment Model and, generally, when the results are above the reference values, it means that there is a greater chance of developing cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes, for example.
The Homa Index must be performed with a fast of at least 8 hours, it is made from the collection of a small blood sample that is sent to the laboratory for analysis and takes into account the fasting glucose concentration as well as the amount of insulin produced by the body.
Homa Index Reference Values
The normal values of the Homa Index for adults are usually:
- Homa-IR Reference Value: less than 2.15; Homa-Beta Reference Value: between 167 and 175.
However, reference values may vary depending on the laboratory where the test was performed. In addition, in the case of children and adolescents or if the person has a very high Body Mass Index, it is important to be accompanied by a doctor.
Analysis of the Homa Index Result
Normally, when the Homa Index values are higher than the reference values, it means that there is insulin resistance or malfunction of the pancreas cells, which is an important organ in the regulation of blood sugars due to the production of insulin and glugagon. Learn more about the functions of the pancreas.
The altered values of the Homa-IR or Beta Index may indicate a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, which in most cases is accompanied by obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, reduction in good cholesterol, intolerance to carbohydrates and presence of plaques of fat in the vessels and, which can lead to problems like heart attack or stroke.
In addition, the Homa Index values may be high in decompensated type 1 diabetes or when diabetic ketoacidosis occurs, helping the doctor to assess the patient's health. Learn more about type 1 diabetes.
To find out what your cardiovascular risk is, use the following calculator:
How the Homa Index is determined
The Homa Index is determined using mathematical formulas that are related to the amount of sugar in the blood and the amount of insulin produced by the body, and the calculations include:
- Formula to assess insulin resistance (Homa-IR): Glycemia (mmol) x Insulin (wm / ml) ÷ 22.5Formula to assess the ability of pancreatic beta cells to function (Homa-Beta): 20 x Insulin (wm / ml) ÷ (blood glucose - 3.5)
Values must be obtained on an empty stomach and if blood glucose is measured in mg / dl it is necessary to apply the calculation, before applying the following formula to obtain the value in mmol / L: blood glucose (mg / dL) x 0, 0555.
