Enter your fasting insulin (µIU/mL) and fasting glucose levels to calculate your HOMA-IR score — a widely used marker for insulin resistance. Choose between mg/dL or mmol/L for glucose. You'll get your HOMA-IR index, QUICKI index, and an interpretation of what your results mean for metabolic health.
HOMA-IR Score
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QUICKI Index
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Interpretation
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HOMA-IR stands for Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance. It is a mathematical model that estimates insulin resistance using fasting insulin and fasting glucose levels. A higher HOMA-IR score indicates greater insulin resistance, while a lower score suggests better insulin sensitivity.
When glucose is measured in mg/dL, the formula is: HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin × fasting glucose) / 405. When glucose is in mmol/L, the formula is: HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin × fasting glucose) / 22.5. Both formulas produce the same result when units are correctly applied.
A HOMA-IR value below 1.0 is considered optimal and indicates good insulin sensitivity. Values between 1.0 and 1.9 are in the normal-to-borderline range. A score of 2.0 or above suggests insulin resistance, and values above 2.9 are considered significantly elevated. These thresholds may vary slightly between clinical guidelines.
Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the body do not respond effectively to insulin, causing the pancreas to produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to elevated blood glucose, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty losing weight, and high blood sugar.
The QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) is another measure of insulin sensitivity calculated as: 1 / (log(insulin) + log(glucose in mg/dL)). A QUICKI value above 0.45 indicates normal insulin sensitivity, while values below 0.30 suggest significant insulin resistance. It is often used alongside HOMA-IR for a more complete picture.
If your glucose is in mmol/L, use the formula: HOMA-IR = (insulin in µIU/mL × glucose in mmol/L) / 22.5. This calculator handles unit conversion automatically — just select 'mmol/L' from the glucose unit dropdown.
HOMA-IR is not a diagnostic test for diabetes, but it is a clinically validated screening tool for insulin resistance. It is best used alongside other assessments such as HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Improving insulin sensitivity typically involves regular physical activity, reducing refined carbohydrates and sugars, maintaining a healthy weight, improving sleep quality, and managing stress. Dietary approaches such as low-glycaemic eating and intermittent fasting have also shown benefits in clinical studies.