Metabolic index (MI) is a domestic surrogate index of insulin resistance calculated from ordinary blood tests, without an expensive direct insulin assay.
It is sensitive to early metabolic disturbances and helps to suspect prediabetes and metabolic syndrome before a clear rise in blood sugar.
Reference ranges
Approximate interpretation (per the authors' method):
| Normal | MI < 7.0 |
| Insulin resistance | MI ≥ 7.0 |
What an elevated level means
A high MI means insulin resistance: cells respond less well to insulin. This is an early warning sign of the risk of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
What a low level means
A low MI means good insulin sensitivity — a favorable metabolic sign.
How the test is done
MI is calculated with the formula: MI = TG × glucose / (HDL)² (all values in mmol/L). Three fasting tests are needed: triglycerides, glucose and HDL. A separate insulin test is not required.
Calculate using this marker
Calculators where Metabolic Index (MI) is used directly:
Frequently asked questions
How is MI better than an insulin test?
MI is calculated from routine, inexpensive markers (triglycerides, glucose, HDL) that are often already in your lab panel. A direct insulin test is more expensive and less stable, so surrogate indices are convenient for screening.
What metabolic index is normal?
Roughly, an MI below 7.0 is considered normal, and 7.0 or above points to insulin resistance. The threshold depends on the method; the result should be interpreted together with blood sugar, lipids and the clinical picture.
Related terms
Sources
- Russian Federation Patent No. 2493566. A method for screening diagnosis of insulin resistance (Roitberg G.E. et al.)
- MedlinePlus (NIH) — Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes