How to Calculate Bolus Insulin for Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is a complicated illness that requires sufferers to monitor their diet and exercise, as well as rely on synthetically created insulin to reduce their blood sugar levels. Finding the proper insulin dosage for meals, and to correct high blood sugar levels, doesn't have to be confusing: You can calculate the right doses using some easy formulas.
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Instructions
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1
Determine your basal, or background, insulin dose. Start by calculating your total daily insulin dose. Your basal insulin dose is usually 40 to 50 percent of your total daily insulin dose. An easy formula to figure out your total daily insulin dose is to divide your body weight by four. Make a note of that number. Your basal insulin dose will be half that number. Your basal insulin dose will be delivered by your insulin pump throughout the day.
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2
Use a blood glucose testing meter and testing strips to determine your current blood glucose level. Insert a testing strip into your meter to power it on. Prick your finger to obtain a sample drop of blood. Wait for the meter to to flash "Apply blood" and then apply your blood sample to the strip. After a few seconds, your meter will give you your current blood glucose. Knowing your current blood glucose is crucial to properly calculating your bolus insulin dose.
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3
Calculate your carbohydrate coverage dose. Usually, one unit of fast-acting insulin will counteract between 12 and 15g of carbohydrates. Total the number of carbohydrates for your meal. Divide that number by the grams of carbohydrates counteracted by one unit of fast-acting insulin to find your carbohydrate coverage dose.
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Determine your high blood sugar correction dose if your blood glucose level was outside your target range when you tested it in Step 2. Usually, one unit of fast-acting insulin will reduce your blood glucose level by 50. Find the high blood sugar correction dose by subtracting your target blood glucose from your current blood glucose. Divide that number by 50 to find your high blood sugar correction dose.
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Add your carbohydrate coverage dose to your high blood sugar correction dose. After adding these doses, administer your bolus insulin dose through your insulin pump.
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Tips & Warnings
Insulin sensitivity varies by the individual, so you may find that your body needs more or less insulin than what is recommended in this article.
The information in this article is not a substitution for professional medical advice. If you have questions about your diabetes treatment, please consult your doctor.
