Beta Cell Function (HOMA-B)
An estimate of how hard your insulin-producing cells are working.
Calculated from the same two numbers as HOMA-IR; research use more than clinical.
This one isn’t a test
Beta Cell Function (HOMA-B) = (20 × Fasting Insulin) ÷ (Fasting Glucose − 3.5)
No extra sample was taken for this and no extra assay was run. It is arithmetic on numbers already on your report, but it still adds a line to the advertised test count.
Computed from Fasting Blood Sugar and Fasting Insulin.
That does not make the number useless: eGFR is calculated and doctors act on it every day. It means it should not be counted as a separate test when you are comparing what a package costs.
How we rate it: Filler
Rarely changes anything for someone with no symptoms.
This rating and the description above were written against published screening guidelines by someone who is not a clinician, and are awaiting review by one. We would rather say that than imply an authority we do not have.
Check-ups that include it
In 5 of the 93 check-ups we track, 5%. Cheapest first.
Also sold as
Every one of these names refers to this same test. Resolving them to one canonical entry is what makes an honest comparison possible.
- beta cell function
- homa b
- homa beta
Information here is for comparing packages, not for diagnosing yourself. Talk to a doctor about which tests you actually need.