The Disposition Index Calculator helps assess the balance between insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in the human body. This index is widely used in medical research and clinical endocrinology to evaluate how effectively the pancreas compensates for varying levels of insulin sensitivity. It provides valuable insights into early stages of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes risk, and beta-cell function.
When insulin sensitivity decreases, the body should compensate by increasing insulin secretion. If this compensation is insufficient, it can lead to abnormal glucose regulation. The Disposition Index (DI) quantifies this relationship, making it a key marker in metabolic health assessments.
Formula of Disposition Index Calculator
The Disposition Index is calculated using the following formula:
DI = Insulin Sensitivity × Insulin Secretion
Where:
- Insulin Sensitivity measures how effectively body tissues respond to insulin.
- Insulin Secretion refers to the amount of insulin produced in response to blood glucose.
This formula implies that a healthy pancreas will produce more insulin when sensitivity is low to maintain glucose balance. The product of these two factors provides a more complete view of metabolic function than either factor alone.
Units and Sources:
- Insulin sensitivity is often measured using methods like the euglycemic clamp, HOMA-IR, or the Matsuda index.
- Insulin secretion is assessed using glucose challenge tests or C-peptide measurements.
- DI is a dimensionless number but can vary based on the method used for data collection.
General Terms Related to Disposition Index
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Insulin Sensitivity | The efficiency of cells to respond to insulin for glucose uptake. |
| Insulin Secretion | The release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. |
| Beta-cell Function | The capability of pancreatic cells to produce insulin. |
| Type 2 Diabetes Risk | The probability of developing insulin resistance and glucose imbalance. |
| Hyperglycemia | Elevated blood glucose levels. |
| Hypoinsulinemia | Low insulin secretion from the pancreas. |
| Insulin Resistance | A condition where cells become less responsive to insulin. |
| Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) | A test to assess glucose regulation and insulin response. |
| Matsuda Index | A method for estimating insulin sensitivity from OGTT data. |
| C-peptide Test | A method to measure insulin production indirectly. |
These terms are commonly used in research and healthcare when interpreting the Disposition Index.
Example of Disposition Index Calculator
Example Calculation:
Suppose a patient has the following results:
- Insulin Sensitivity = 2.5 (arbitrary units from a test like the Matsuda index)
- Insulin Secretion = 100 (arbitrary units based on a glucose-stimulated insulin response)
Using the formula:
DI = 2.5 × 100 = 250
A Disposition Index of 250 may indicate a healthy balance between insulin sensitivity and secretion. If insulin sensitivity were to drop, a proportional rise in secretion would need to maintain the same index value.
Clinical Use Example:
In research, two patients may have the same blood glucose levels, but one has high sensitivity with low insulin secretion, and the other has low sensitivity with high secretion. Both can have a similar DI, showing effective glucose regulation.
Most Common FAQs
There is no universal “normal” DI because it depends on the testing method used. However, a higher DI generally indicates better beta-cell compensation and lower risk of glucose intolerance or diabetes.
The Disposition Index provides a more accurate picture of glucose metabolism by combining insulin sensitivity and secretion. This helps identify early metabolic dysfunction before fasting glucose levels become abnormal.
Clinicians and researchers use the DI to monitor individuals at risk for diabetes, assess beta-cell function, and guide treatment decisions for metabolic disorders. It is particularly useful in longitudinal studies and preventive care.