What is the HOMA-S test?
The HOMA-S test is a quanatitative insulin sensitivity check index/homeostasis model assessment for insulin sensitivity.
The HOMA-S test, also known as the Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin sensitivity, is a diagnostic tool used to assess insulin sensitivity in the body. It measures how sensitive your cells are to insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance occurs when cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to increased blood sugar levels, and it is considered a precursor to type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions.
The HOMA model is used to yield an estimate of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function from fasting plasma insulin and glucose concentrations. The relationship between glucose and insulin in the basal state reflects the balance between hepatic glucose output and insulin secretion, which is maintained by a feedback loop between the liver and β-cells.
The computer model gives a value for insulin sensitivity expressed as HOMA2-%S (where 100% is normal), which is simply the reciprocal of HOMA2-IR.
Note: It is possible to use HOMA to assess insulin sensitivity in subjects treated with insulin, but it is imperative to ensure that samples are taken when glucose and insulin concentrations are in a steady state. For example, it would be meaningless to measure HOMA-%S following the administration of a short-acting insulin analog when the glucose level will be falling rapidly.
HOMA-S
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