HOMA-IR: fasting insulin resistance
Estimates insulin resistance from fasting glucose and insulin.
When to use
Initial assessment of insulin resistance on a fasting sample, when the clamp is not available.
Pearls and pitfalls
- The formula divides insulin in µU/mL times glucose in mg/dL by 405, equivalent to glucose in mmol/L divided by 22.5.
- HOMA-IR quantifies basal, mainly hepatic, insulin resistance from a single fasting sample.
- It is not interchangeable with the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp, which remains the reference standard.
- Interpretation depends on age, pubertal stage, population and insulin assay, so there is no universal cut-off.
Fill in the fields to see the result.
Formula
HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin in µU/mL × fasting glucose in mg/dL) divided by 405.
Evidence
Homeostatic assessment model derived from fasting samples and compared with reference methods of insulin sensitivity.
References
- Matthews DR, Hosker JP, Rudenski AS, et al. Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and beta-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in man. Diabetologia. 1985;28(7):412-419. doi:10.1007/BF00280883
- The case for broader use of HOMA-IR in pediatric metabolic assessment: a narrative review. Front Pediatr. 2026;14:1883916. doi:10.3389/fped.2026.1883916
Frequently asked questions
What is HOMA-IR: fasting insulin resistance?
Estimates insulin resistance from fasting glucose and insulin. Initial assessment of insulin resistance on a fasting sample, when the clamp is not available.
How is the result calculated?
HOMA-IR = (fasting insulin in µU/mL × fasting glucose in mg/dL) divided by 405.
How should the result be interpreted?
Homeostatic assessment model derived from fasting samples and compared with reference methods of insulin sensitivity.
What are the sources?
Matthews DR, Hosker JP, Rudenski AS, et al. Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and beta-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in man. Diabetologia. 1985;28(7):412-419. The case for broader use of HOMA-IR in pediatric metabolic assessment: a narrative review. Front Pediatr. 2026;14:1883916.