0.325
2.96
3
0.325
2.96
3
The QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) Calculator provides a mathematically refined measure of insulin sensitivity derived from fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels. Developed by Katz et al. in 2000, QUICKI addresses some of the statistical limitations of HOMA-IR by using a logarithmic transformation that produces a more normally distributed variable, making it better suited for statistical analysis and particularly useful in research settings.
QUICKI has shown excellent correlation with the gold-standard hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique (r = 0.78-0.89 across studies), which is comparable to or slightly better than HOMA-IR correlations. This makes it one of the most valid simple surrogate measures of insulin sensitivity available. Like HOMA-IR, it requires only fasting blood samples, making it practical for clinical use.
The QUICKI formula is: QUICKI = 1 / [log(Insulin) + log(Glucose)], where insulin is in µU/mL and glucose in mg/dL, using base-10 logarithm. Unlike HOMA-IR where higher values indicate more resistance, QUICKI is inversely related — higher QUICKI values indicate better insulin sensitivity. Typical QUICKI values range from approximately 0.45 (very insulin sensitive) to 0.25 (severely insulin resistant).
The key thresholds are: QUICKI ≥ 0.382 indicates normal insulin sensitivity, 0.339-0.382 is borderline, 0.298-0.339 indicates insulin resistance, and below 0.298 suggests severe insulin resistance strongly associated with diabetes. These cutoffs have been validated in multiple ethnic populations including Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and Asian cohorts.
QUICKI is particularly useful in research studies comparing insulin sensitivity across populations or measuring the effect of interventions. Its logarithmic transformation reduces skewness and produces more reliable statistical comparisons. Clinically, it complements HOMA-IR and provides an alternative perspective on the same underlying metabolic measurement. This calculator also provides the equivalent HOMA-IR value for easy cross-referencing between the two most common insulin resistance indices.
The QUICKI formula (Katz et al., 2000):
QUICKI = 1 / [log₁₀(Fasting Insulin) + log₁₀(Fasting Glucose)]
Where insulin is in µU/mL and glucose in mg/dL. Both use base-10 logarithm (log₁₀).
For comparison, HOMA-IR is also calculated: HOMA-IR = Insulin × (Glucose / 18.0156) / 22.5
Sensitivity status: 1 = Normal (QUICKI ≥0.382), 2 = Borderline (0.339-0.382), 3 = Insulin Resistant (0.298-0.339), 4 = Severe Resistance (<0.298).
Status 1 (Normal): QUICKI ≥0.382 indicates healthy insulin sensitivity. The body effectively uses insulin to regulate glucose. Status 2 (Borderline): QUICKI 0.339-0.382 suggests mildly reduced sensitivity. Lifestyle optimization (exercise, diet, weight management) is recommended. Status 3 (Insulin Resistant): QUICKI 0.298-0.339 indicates clinically significant insulin resistance. Associated with metabolic syndrome and pre-diabetes. Active intervention recommended. Status 4 (Severe): QUICKI below 0.298 indicates marked insulin resistance. High probability of impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. Medical evaluation and treatment strongly advised. Higher QUICKI = better sensitivity (the opposite of HOMA-IR).
Inputs
Results
Fasting insulin 7 µU/mL, glucose 85 mg/dL: QUICKI 0.390 indicates normal insulin sensitivity.
Inputs
Results
Fasting insulin 25 µU/mL, glucose 130 mg/dL: QUICKI 0.294 indicates severe insulin resistance requiring medical attention.
QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) is a mathematical index of insulin sensitivity calculated from fasting glucose and fasting insulin using a logarithmic formula. Higher QUICKI values mean better insulin sensitivity. It was developed as a refinement of HOMA-IR with better statistical properties.
Both use the same input data (fasting glucose and insulin), but QUICKI uses a log transformation that produces a normally distributed variable. HOMA-IR is directly proportional to resistance (higher = worse), while QUICKI is inversely related (higher = better). They are highly correlated but QUICKI has better statistical properties.
Normal QUICKI is ≥0.382. Values of 0.339-0.382 are borderline. Values below 0.339 indicate insulin resistance, and below 0.298 suggests severe resistance. Non-obese healthy individuals typically have QUICKI values between 0.36-0.44.
Both are validated surrogates for insulin sensitivity with similar accuracy. QUICKI has better statistical distribution for research purposes. HOMA-IR is more widely used in clinical practice due to its simpler interpretation. Most endocrinologists are familiar with both, and the choice often depends on laboratory and institutional preference.
Yes. Both fasting glucose and fasting insulin must be drawn after 8-12 hours of fasting. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test. Intense exercise the day before can affect results. Take the test in the morning when fasting insulin levels are most stable.
Yes. QUICKI changes in response to lifestyle interventions, weight loss, and medications like metformin. Serial measurements can track improvement in insulin sensitivity over time. A rising QUICKI value indicates improving metabolic health.
QUICKI and HOMA-IR are designed for insulin-resistant states (type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, PCOS). In type 1 diabetes, where the issue is insulin deficiency rather than resistance, these indices are less meaningful and should not be used for clinical decisions.
Obesity (especially visceral/abdominal), physical inactivity, high-sugar/refined-carb diets, poor sleep, chronic stress, certain medications (corticosteroids, antipsychotics), PCOS, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and aging all increase insulin resistance and would lower the QUICKI value.
Yes. Studies show that low QUICKI values (high insulin resistance) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk independent of glucose levels. Insulin resistance promotes inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and atherogenic dyslipidemia — all pathways to cardiovascular disease.
No. This calculator is for educational and informational purposes. Insulin sensitivity assessment should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your full metabolic profile (lipids, blood pressure, waist circumference, family history). Treatment decisions require professional medical judgment.
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