The Homa index is a measure that appears in the result of the blood test used to evaluate insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and pancreatic activity (HOMA-BETA) and therefore to assist in the diagnosis of diabetes.
The word Homa means a model for evaluating homeostasis and generally when results are higher than baseline, this means that there is an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes, for example.
- The Homa index should be achieved with a fast of at least 8 hours.
- Is made from taking a small blood sample that is sent to the laboratory for testing and takes into account the fasting glucose concentration as well as the amount of insulin produced by the body.
Normal homa index values for adults are usually 😕
However, the reference values may vary depending on 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 to be accompanied by a doctor..
Normally, when the values of the homoa index are higher than the initial values, this means that there is insulin resistance or dysfunction of pancreatic cells, which is an important organ in the regulation of blood sugar due to the production of insulin and glugagon.Learn more about pancreatic functions.
Modified Homa-IR or beta values may indicate an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, which in most cases is accompanied by obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low cholesterol, carbohydrate intolerance, and the presence of fat plaques in the vessels and, in most cases, can cause problems such as myocardial infarction or stroke.
In addition, Homa index values may be high in decompensated type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, which helps your doctor assess the patient’s health.Learn more about type 1 diabetes.
To understand your cardiovascular risk, use the following calculator
The Homa index is determined by mathematical formulas related to the amount of blood sugar and the amount of insulin produced by the body, and calculations include:
Values should be obtained in an empty head and if blood glucose is measured in mg/dL the calculation should be applied, before applying the following formula to get the value in mmol/L: blood sugar (mg/dL) x 0, 0555.