Homeostatic Model Assessment of Beta Cell Function
HOMA B
Description
"Homeostatic Model Assessment for Beta Cell Function" (HOMA-B) test evaluates how well your pancreas is producing insulin by analyzing fasting glucose and insulin levels. Doctors use it to assess beta cell activity in people with diabetes, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome. A low score suggests poor insulin production, while higher levels indicate stronger pancreatic function. Results help personalize treatment plans, such as dietary changes or medication. Tracking HOMA-B over time supports better management of blood sugar health.
Test Category
Blood Cells, Hormones
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Percentage
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Complete Blood Sugar Group, Pancreas Group
Test Group Description
Complete Blood Sugar Group: This expanded group includes a more comprehensive set of tests, offering a thorough evaluation of diverse facets of blood sugar levels for a more detailed understanding of metabolic health. Pancreas Group: Tests within this group focus on assessing the function and health of the pancreas, a vital organ involved in digestion and blood sugar regulation. These tests provide insights into pancreatic enzymes, hormone levels, and overall pancreatic function.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 90.00–110.00%
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 70.00–120.00%
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Insulin resistance (Reduced sensitivity to insulin)
Decreased levels may indicate:
Low beta-cell function (Reduced pancreatic beta-cell capacity to produce insulin)
Metabolic syndrome (cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels)
Type 2 diabetes (Condition involving insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction)
Prediabetes (Early stage of insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction)
Key Reasons For Testing
Beta Cell Function: Assesses beta cell function essential for insulin secretion and glucose control.
Diabetes Diagnosis: Aids in diagnosing and classifying diabetes, particularly type 2, by analyzing beta cell activity.
Progression Monitoring: Tracks changes in beta cell function to monitor diabetes progression.
Treatment Guidance: Supports personalized treatment strategies based on beta cell function and insulin sensitivity.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Felton JL, Cuthbertson D, Warnock M, et al. HOMA2-B enhances assessment of type 1 diabetes risk among TrialNet Pathway to Prevention participants. Diabetologia. 2022;65(1):88-100.
[2] 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.
[3] Wallace TM, Levy JC, Matthews DR. Use and abuse of HOMA modeling. Diabetes Care. 2004;27(6):1487-1495.
[4] Bonora E, Kiechl S, Willeit J, et al. Population-based study of insulin resistance and beta-cell function using HOMA index in a Southern European population. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2000;16(6):378-384.
[5] Emoto M, Nishizawa Y, Maekawa K, et al. Homeostasis model assessment as a clinical index of insulin resistance and beta-cell function in type 2 diabetic patients treated with sulfonylureas. Diabetes Care. 1999;22(5):818-822.
[6] Abdul-Ghani MA, Matsuda M, Balas B, DeFronzo RA. Muscle and liver insulin resistance indexes derived from the oral glucose tolerance test. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(1):89-94.
[7] Yokoyama H, Emoto M, Fujiwara S, et al. Short-term effects of sitagliptin on beta-cell function and insulin resistance in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: markers based on homeostasis model assessment. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2013;15(3):299-304.
[8] Liew CF, Seah ES, Yeo KP, Lee KO. The use of HOMA as a surrogate measure of insulin sensitivity is not accurate and reliable in Asian males. Diabet Med. 2003;20(4):318-319.
[9] Westover AJ, Lee SM, Li W, et al. Beta-cell function and insulin resistance in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros. 2013;12(6):738-743.
[10] Song Y, Manson JE, Tinker L, et al. Insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function determined by the homeostasis model assessment and risk of type 2 diabetes in a multiethnic cohort of women. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(7):1747-1752.
[11] Tripathy D, Carlsson M, Almgren P, et al. Insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in relation to glucose tolerance: lessons from the Botnia Study. Diabetes. 2000;49(6):975-980.
[12] Antuna-Puente B, Disse E, Rabasa-Lhoret R, et al. How can we measure insulin sensitivity/resistance? Diabetes Metab. 2011;37(3):179-188.
[13] Stumvoll M, Mitrakou A, Pimenta W, et al. Use of the oral glucose tolerance test to assess insulin release and insulin sensitivity. Diabetes Care. 2000;23(3):295-301.
[14] Weyer C, Bogardus C, Mott DM, Pratley RE. The natural history of insulin secretory dysfunction and insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Clin Invest. 1999;104(6):787-794.
[15] Phillips DI, Clark PM, Hales CN, et al. Beta-cell function, lipid metabolism, and visceral fat mass in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1994;41(5):435-439.