HOMA-β
Also written as: HOMA-β — Homeostatic Model Assessment for beta-cell function
An index derived from fasting glucose and insulin levels to assess pancreatic beta-cell function in diabetes research and clinical practice.
Full Definition
The Homeostatic Model Assessment for beta-cell function (HOMA-β) is a mathematical model used to quantify insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. It is calculated using fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and provides a non-invasive assessment of beta-cell function. The index is particularly valuable in diabetes research for evaluating the progression of beta-cell dysfunction and in clinical practice for monitoring patients with type 2 diabetes. Values typically range from 20-180% in healthy individuals, with lower values indicating compromised beta-cell function.
Usage
Usage note: Often written with Greek letter β or spelled out as 'beta'. Hyphenate when used as an adjective.
In Context
- "The patient's HOMA-β of 25% indicated significant beta-cell dysfunction despite normal fasting glucose levels." — Clinical research paper
- "Researchers used HOMA-β to assess pancreatic function before and after the intervention." — Diabetes study protocol