Significance and role of homeostatic model assessment in the evaluation of glucose regulation mechanisms

Introduction. Mathematical formulas, such as homeostatic model assessment indexes, proved to be useful for the estimation of insulin resistance. Nevertheless, numerous published results point to a considerable variability of their reference values. The aim of this study was to use homeostatic model assessment indexes and evaluate levels of insulin resistance in nondiabetic patients. Material and Methods. The study included 486 individuals (mean age 36.84 ± 12.86; 17% of males and 83% of females). Blood sampling was performed in order to determine glucose and insulin plasma levels, at the 0th and 120th minute of the oral glucose tolerance test. The indexes were calculated by the use of homeostatic model assessment 2 calculator, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity, and homeostatic model assessment of β-cells function. The results were statistically analyzed using a Data Analysis programme. Results. In the examined population, the average glycemic values of the oral glucose tolerance test were within the euglycemic scope (Gluc 0 = 4.76 ± 0.45 mmol/L; Gluc 120 = 5.24 ± 1.17 mmol/L), while the average values of calculated homeostatic model assessment indexes were: insulin resistance 1.41 ± 0.82; β-cells function 131.54 ± 49.41%, and insulin sensitivity 91.94 ± 47.32%. According to study cut-off values, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance was less than 2. We found 84 (17.28%) individuals with increased insulin resistance. Also, we set the lowest reference value for homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity at less than 50%. With the probability of 66.67% (x̄ ± 1SD), basal insulin level under 11.9 mIU/L can be considered to correspond to physiologic level of insulin resistance. Conclusion. The follow-up of increased insulin resistance and altered secretion of pancreatic β-cells, at early stages of glucose regulation disturbances, may be useful in assessing dynamics and level of glucose regulation disturbances and their appropriate treatment.