Estimate insulin sensitivity using fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels.
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The QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) is a simple, validated mathematical model that estimates insulin sensitivity from fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels. Developed by Katz and colleagues in 2000, QUICKI provides a reliable indicator of insulin sensitivity that correlates well with the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp widely considered the gold standard for measuring insulin sensitivity.
Unlike HOMA-IR, which measures insulin resistance, QUICKI measures insulin sensitivity, a more intuitive concept for many patients and clinicians. Higher QUICKI values indicate better insulin sensitivity, while lower values suggest insulin resistance. This index is particularly useful in clinical research and metabolic health assessments, as it requires only a single fasting blood draw for both glucose and insulin measurements.
How to Use the QUICKI Calculator
Select your diabetes status by choosing either “No” or “Yes” to indicate whether you have diabetes.
Enter your fasting glucose level in the first input field.
Select the glucose unit (mg/dL or mmol/L) from the dropdown menu.
Enter your fasting insulin level in µU/mL (micro units per milliliter).
Use the quick example buttons to test common clinical scenarios.
Click the Calculate button (or simply wait — results update automatically).
View your QUICKI score displayed with a color-coded badge and meter.
Check your category classification (Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, or Severe IR).
Review your glucose and insulin values displayed in the results grid.
Read the personalized interpretation explaining what your QUICKI score means.
Copy, share, or embed your results using the buttons below.
The QUICKI formula estimates insulin sensitivity using a logarithmic transformation of fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels.
Formula: QUICKI = 1 / (log₁₀(Insulin) + log₁₀(Glucose))
Where:
Insulin is measured in µU/mL
Glucose is measured in mg/dL
For glucose in mmol/L: First convert to mg/dL by multiplying by 18.0182, then apply the formula.
The formula is derived from the relationship between fasting glucose and insulin in the steady state. The logarithmic transformation linearizes this relationship, producing a value that correlates strongly with insulin sensitivity measured by the clamp technique.
Interpretation ranges:
Excellent: QUICKI > 0.45
Good: QUICKI 0.40 – 0.45
Fair: QUICKI 0.35 – 0.40
Poor: QUICKI 0.30 – 0.35
Severe Insulin Resistance: QUICKI < 0.30
For individuals with diabetes, the thresholds shift slightly, with categories adjusted to account for the different metabolic context.
James is a 48-year-old man with Type 2 diabetes who wants to assess his insulin sensitivity. His fasting lab results are:
Fasting Glucose: 110 mg/dL
Fasting Insulin: 18 µU/mL
Step 1 — Apply the formula:
QUICKI = 1 / (log₁₀(18) + log₁₀(110))
log₁₀(18) = 1.2553
log₁₀(110) = 2.0414
Sum = 1.2553 + 2.0414 = 3.2967
QUICKI = 1 / 3.2967 = 0.3033
Step 2 — Determine category:
With a QUICKI of 0.3033, James falls into the Poor category (0.30–0.35). This indicates poor insulin sensitivity, suggesting his body requires higher insulin levels to maintain normal blood glucose.
Step 3 — Interpretation:
“Your QUICKI of 0.3033 (Glucose: 110 mg/dL, Insulin: 18 µU/mL) indicates poor insulin sensitivity. Please consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive review of your diabetes management.”
James’s result confirms significant insulin resistance, supporting the need for medication adjustment and lifestyle interventions to improve his metabolic health.
The QUICKI Calculator is a tool that estimates insulin sensitivity using the QUICKI model. It works by applying the formula QUICKI = 1 / (log₁₀(Insulin) + log₁₀(Glucose)), where glucose and insulin are fasting measurements. The calculator provides immediate scoring with personalized interpretation based on your diabetes status.
For individuals without diabetes, normal QUICKI is between 0.40 and 0.45 (Good). Excellent is above 0.45, fair is 0.35–0.40, poor is 0.30–0.35, and severe insulin resistance is below 0.30. For individuals with diabetes, thresholds are adjusted slightly.
QUICKI measures insulin sensitivity (higher is better), while HOMA-IR measures insulin resistance (lower is better). They use different formulas and are inversely related. QUICKI = 1 / (log₁₀(Insulin) + log₁₀(Glucose)), while HOMA-IR = (Glucose × Insulin) / 405.
The QUICKI model has been validated against the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique and has been used in numerous clinical studies. It is considered a reliable, cost-effective alternative to more invasive methods for assessing insulin sensitivity.
QUICKI requires samples drawn after an overnight fast of 8–12 hours. Non-fasting samples will produce inaccurate results because both glucose and insulin are significantly affected by recent food intake.
Yes, the calculator is designed for both individuals with and without diabetes. Simply select “No” for the diabetes status, and the interpretation will use the appropriate non-diabetic reference ranges.
The calculator uses your diabetes status to provide appropriate category interpretation. The thresholds for “good,” “fair,” “poor,” and “severe” differ for individuals with diabetes because insulin sensitivity is typically more pronounced and metabolic targets vary.
QUICKI has been used in pediatric populations, but reference ranges may differ from adult values. Additionally, insulin sensitivity changes during puberty, complicating interpretation. Pediatric-specific norms exist and should be applied when assessing children.
Frequency depends on your risk factors and clinical context. For individuals with metabolic risk factors, checking annually may be appropriate. For those on insulin-sensitizing treatments, more frequent monitoring may be needed. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
No, QUICKI assesses insulin sensitivity, not diabetes. Diabetes is diagnosed using specific criteria (fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, HbA1c ≥6.5%, or 2-hour glucose ≥200 mg/dL during an OGTT). QUICKI is a tool for evaluating insulin sensitivity, which is a risk factor for diabetes.
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