Insulin Sensitivity QUICKI Calculator

QUICKI variables and formula

QUICKI comes from Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index which is a determination based on fasting insulin and glucose levels obtained from blood sample.

The two variables can be input in uU/mL (for insulin) and mg/dL or mmol/L (for glucose).

The QUICKI formula is the inverse of the sum of the logarithms of fasting insulin and fasting glucose:

QUICKI = 1 / (log(Fasting Insulin) + log(Fasting Glucose))

Insulin sensitivity in the opposite of insulin resistance. There are two methods used to determine insulin sensitivity: the glucose clamp (“gold standard”) and the minimal model analysis.

However, because these are complicated to use during clinical research, the estimation method provided by QUICKI is preferred.

Insulin sensitivity ranges from 0.45, which are normal values in healthy individuals to 0.30 which is a value associated with diabetes.

A low insulin sensitivity value reflects greater resistance. IS values below 0.339 are associated with increased resistance and obesity and cardiovascular risk factors.

About the study

QUICKI was constructed in 2000 following a study by Katz et al. on a cohort of 56 patients (28 nonobese, 13 obese, and 15 type 2 diabetic).

The patients underwent hyperinsulinemic isoglycemic glucose clamp and insulin-modified frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance tests.

Firstly, it was found that both fasting insulin and glucose values carry critical information about insulin sensitivity.

The linear correlation coefficient of QUICKI with SI(Clamp) is 0.78, which is better than that between SI(Clamp) and SI(MM), previously reported at 0.57.

A subsequent validation study on 148 subjects compared the log homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) with the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), the revised QUICKI, and a new revised QUICKI using fasting plasma glycerol.

It was confirmed to compensate for fasting hyperglycemia and as a trusted tool to estimate insulin sensitivity in the setting of clinical research.

Insulin resistance explained

Insulin resistance means that the body does not respond to the actions of insulin, therefore results in a pathological condition in which the regulation of glucose is prevented.

This is one of the accompanying manifestations of the metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to increased cardiovascular risk.

Because glucose levels cannot be controlled efficiently, blood sugar increases and it prompts the production of insulin, resulting in high blood insulin, which is not consumed to lower blood sugar.

Some of the most common risk factors for insulin resistance include:

■ Obesity;

■ Abdominal fat disposition;

■ Sedentary lifestyle;

■ Age (over 45s at higher risk);

■ Hypertension.

Aside from high blood sugar, the symptoms that are associated with insulin resistance include increased triglycerides, intestinal bloating, weight gain, sleepiness after means or inability to concentrate.

In time, IR can progress to type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (A1C levels are higher than normal but not under diabetes guidelines).

Original source

Katz A, Nambi SS, Mather K, Baron AD, Follmann DA, Sullivan G, Quon MJ. Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index: a simple, accurate method for assessing insulin sensitivity in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000; 85(7):2402-10.

Other references

1. Rabasa-Lhoret R, Bastard JP, Jan V, et. al. Modified quantitative insulin sensitivity check index is better correlated to hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp than other fasting-based index of insulin sensitivity in different insulin-resistant states. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003; 88(10):4917-23.

2. Hrebícek J, Janout V, Malincíková J, Horáková D, Cízek L. Detection of insulin resistance by simple quantitative insulin sensitivity check index QUICKI for epidemiological assessment and prevention. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002; 87(1):144-7.