⚡ QUICKI Calculator
Estimate insulin sensitivity quickly with fasting labs using the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index.
Use the fasting plasma glucose measured alongside fasting insulin.
QUICKI requires immunoreactive insulin (µU/mL). Ensure assays are calibrated.
QUICKI = 1 / [log₁₀(insulin µU/mL) + log₁₀(glucose mg/dL)]
How to Use This Calculator
Collect fasting labs
Obtain fasting plasma glucose and fasting insulin from the same morning blood draw. QUICKI is unreliable without coordinated sampling.
Enter glucose and insulin
Input glucose in mg/dL or mmol/L (we convert automatically) and insulin in µU/mL. Press “Calculate QUICKI” to obtain the index.
Interpret with clinical context
Compare the result with reference ranges and evaluate alongside A1c, lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometrics for a full metabolic risk assessment.
Formula
QUICKI was developed by Katz et al. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2000) to provide a simple surrogate for insulin sensitivity using readily available fasting labs. The formula is:
- QUICKI = 1 ÷ [log₁₀ (Fasting Insulin (µU/mL)) + log₁₀ (Fasting Glucose (mg/dL))]
- If glucose is measured in mmol/L, convert to mg/dL by multiplying by 18.0182 before applying the logarithm to maintain standardisation.
QUICKI correlates linearly with the gold-standard hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Higher QUICKI indicates improved insulin sensitivity.
Full Description
Insulin resistance precedes type 2 diabetes and is associated with cardiovascular disease, NAFLD, and PCOS. QUICKI provides a rapid, inexpensive estimate of insulin sensitivity without the complexity of glucose clamp studies or frequent sampling required for OGTT-derived indices.
QUICKI is particularly useful in research and clinical settings for stratifying metabolic risk, monitoring lifestyle or pharmacologic interventions, and comparing populations. Unlike HOMA-IR, QUICKI has a linear relationship with clamp measures, improving interpretability across a wide range of insulin sensitivity.
Limitations include dependence on accurate insulin assays, potential variability between laboratories, and reduced reliability in patients with beta-cell failure (e.g., type 1 diabetes). Always integrate QUICKI with broader clinical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does QUICKI compare to HOMA-IR?
Both use fasting labs. QUICKI inversely mirrors HOMA-IR, is more linear across ranges, and may better reflect high insulin sensitivity. Many clinicians use both for cross-reference.
Can I use capillary glucose measurements?
Laboratory plasma glucose is preferred. If using meter readings, ensure they are fasting and taken immediately before the insulin draw, recognising potential variability.
What affects QUICKI accuracy?
Hemolysis, delayed sample processing, lab assay differences, or use of insulin analogues that cross-react can alter insulin readings and skew QUICKI.
Is QUICKI validated in children?
QUICKI has been studied in paediatric populations, but reference ranges differ. Paediatric endocrinologists should interpret results using age-appropriate cut-offs.
How often should I repeat QUICKI?
Repeat every 3-6 months when monitoring lifestyle programs, pharmacotherapy, or weight-loss interventions. Frequency should be tailored by your healthcare provider.