HOMA-B Calculator

Q: What does a low HOMA-B mean?

A HOMA-B below 100% suggests reduced beta-cell function, meaning the pancreas is producing less insulin than expected for the glucose level. This is common in progressive type 2 diabetes.

Q: How is HOMA-B different from HOMA-IR?

HOMA-B estimates how well the pancreas produces insulin (beta-cell function), while HOMA-IR estimates how well the body responds to it (insulin resistance).

Q: What is normal HOMA-B?

A normal HOMA-B is approximately 100–200%. Values below 50% indicate significant beta-cell dysfunction.

Estimates pancreatic beta-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and fasting serum insulin using the HOMA equation.

Endocrinology EndocrinologyEvidence-BasedUpdated 2026-08-06

Clinical Notes

Formula

HOMA-B = (20 * insulin) / (glucose - 3.5)

Normal Range

100–200%

Clinical Notes

Interpret results together with the patient's clinical presentation.

References

MedCalcHub Clinical References

Calculator Information

Specialty

Endocrinology

📋 Reference Ranges

Normal Range

100–200%

Reference ranges for this calculator
Classification	Range
Severe beta-cell dysfunction	<50.1
Reduced beta-cell function	50–100
Normal beta-cell function	100–200
Hyperinsulinemia	≥200

What This Calculator Measures

Estimates pancreatic beta-cell function relative to the prevailing fasting glucose, complementing HOMA-IR in the assessment of glucose–insulin homeostasis.

How to Use

Obtain fasting plasma glucose (mmol/L) and fasting serum insulin (µU/mL).
Enter both values.
Review the HOMA-B percentage against the reference ranges.
Interpret together with HOMA-IR to separate beta-cell dysfunction from insulin resistance.

Interpretation Guide

HOMA-B of 100–200% is generally considered normal beta-cell function; 50–100% suggests reduced function; < 50% suggests significant beta-cell dysfunction; and ≥ 200% reflects hyperinsulinemia. Values must be interpreted in the context of the patient's fasting glucose and insulin.

Clinical Significance

HOMA-B provides a practical estimate of beta-cell function from routine fasting labs and helps track the progressive beta-cell decline characteristic of type 2 diabetes.

When to Use

Estimating beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes
Research and longitudinal tracking of beta-cell decline
Pairing with HOMA-IR to characterize glucose handling

When Not to Use

In type 1 diabetes or in patients on exogenous insulin
As a diagnostic test for diabetes
When the patient is not fasting
As a substitute for C-peptide when precise beta-cell assessment is needed

Limitations

Requires fasting samples; non-fasting values are unreliable.
Insulin assay variability limits comparability across laboratories and studies.
May be transiently elevated in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes due to glucotoxicity.
Not validated for type 1 diabetes or exogenous insulin use.
Is an estimate, not a direct measure of beta-cell mass.

Worked Example

A 50-year-old man with type 2 diabetes has a fasting glucose of 6.0 mmol/L and fasting insulin of 10 µU/mL.

Inputs:

glucose: 6.0

insulin: 10

HOMA-B = (20 × 10) / (6.0 − 3.5) = 80%, suggesting reduced beta-cell function (50–100% range).

Evidence

Source: Endocrinology / Diabetes
Reference: 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.
Reviewed By: MedCalcHub Clinical Team
Version: 1.0
Updated: 2026-08

Matthews DR, et al. Diabetologia. 1985;28(7):412-419.

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. (Original Description)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a low HOMA-B mean?

A HOMA-B below 100% suggests reduced beta-cell function, meaning the pancreas is producing less insulin than expected for the glucose level. This is common in progressive type 2 diabetes.

How is HOMA-B different from HOMA-IR?

HOMA-B estimates how well the pancreas produces insulin (beta-cell function), while HOMA-IR estimates how well the body responds to it (insulin resistance).

What is normal HOMA-B?

A normal HOMA-B is approximately 100–200%. Values below 50% indicate significant beta-cell dysfunction.

Disclaimer: This calculator is intended for educational and research purposes only. HOMA-B is an estimate of beta-cell function and must not be used as a standalone diagnostic test.