HOMA-BETA and HOMA-IR: what they are for and reference values

Content:

The Homa Index is a measure that appears in the result of the blood test that serves to assess insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and pancreas activity (HOMA-BETA) and thus aid 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 after fasting for at least 8 hours, it is done 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 organism.

Homa Index Reference Values

The normal values ​​of the Homa Index for adults may vary according to the Body Mass Index, however, in general, the values ​​are:

  • Homa-IR Reference Value: less than 2.15;
  • Homa-Beta Reference Value: between 167 and 175.

However, the reference values ​​may vary according to the laboratory in which the test was performed, in addition to being able to vary in the case of children and adolescents with a very high BMI.

How to understand the result

Normally, when the Homa Index values ​​are higher than the reference, it means that there is insulin resistance or malfunction of the cells of the pancreas, which is an important organ in the regulation of blood sugars due to the production of insulin and glucagon. Learn more about the functions of the pancreas.

Thus, altered values ​​of this 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, reduced good cholesterol, carbohydrate intolerance and the presence of fatty plaques in the vessels and, which can lead to problems such as heart attack or stroke.

In addition, Homa Index values ​​may be high in decompensated type 1 diabetes or when diabetic ketoacidosis occurs, helping the physician to assess the patient's health.

To know your risk of developing cardiovascular problems, use the following calculator:

What does Low Homa-Beta Index mean?

When the Homa-beta Index values ​​are below the reference value, it is indicative that the cells of the pancreas are not working properly, so that there is not enough insulin being produced, which can result in an increase in blood glucose.

How is the Homa Index determined

​The Homa Index is determined through mathematical formulas that are related to the amount of blood sugar and the amount of insulin produced by the body, and calculations include:

  • Formula to assess insulin resistance (Homa-IR): Blood glucose (mmol) x Insulin (ui/ml) ÷ 22.5
  • Formula to assess the functioning capacity of pancreatic beta cells (Homa-Beta): 20 x Insulin (iu/ml) ÷ (Glycemia - 3.5)

The values ​​must be obtained in fasting state and if the 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