The Homa Index is a measure that appears in the blood test that evaluates insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and pancreatic activity (HOMA-BETA) and thus helps in the diagnosis of diabetes.
The word Homa stands for Homeostasis Assessment Model and, generally, when the results are above the reference values, it means that there is a greater chance of developing cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes, for example.
The Homa Index should be performed with fasting of at least 8 hours, it is done from the collection of a small sample of blood that is sent to the laboratory for analysis and takes into account the concentration of fasting glucose as well as the amount of insulin produced by the body.
Homa Index Reference Values
The normal values of the Adult Homa Index are usually:
- Homa-IR Reference Value: less than 2.15;
- Reference Value of Homa-Beta: between 167 and 175.
However, reference values may vary according to the laboratory in which 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 that they are accompanied by a doctor.
Analysis of the Homa Index Result
Normally, when Homa Index values are higher than the reference values, it means that there is insulin resistance or malfunction of pancreatic cells, which is an important organ in regulating blood sugars due to the production of insulin and glugagon. Learn more about pancreatic functions.
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, good cholesterol reduction, carbohydrate intolerance and the presence of plaques of fat in the vessels and that can lead to problems like heart attack or stroke.
In addition, Homa Index values may be high in decompensated type 1 diabetes or when diabetic ketoacidosis occurs, helping the clinician evaluate the patient's health. Learn more about type 1 diabetes.
To know your cardiovascular risk use the following calculator:
How to determine the Homa Index
The Homa Index is determined by mathematical formulas that are related to the amount of blood sugar and amount of insulin produced by the body and the calculations include:
- Formula for assessing insulin resistance (Homa-IR): Glycemia (mmol) x Insulin (ui / ml) ÷ 22.5
- Formula to evaluate the functioning capacity of beta-cells of the pancreas (Homa-Beta): 20 x Insulin (ui / ml) ÷ (Glycemia - 3, 5)
The values should be obtained fasting and if the glycemia is measured in mg / dl it is necessary to apply the calculation before applying the following formula to obtain the mmol / L value: blood glucose (mg / dL) x 0, 0555.
