Understanding Insulin Dosage Calculations
Learn how to safely calculate insulin doses for better diabetes management
Insulin Sensitivity Factor (ISF)
ISF tells you how much 1 unit of insulin will lower your blood sugar. Essential for correction doses.
Key Points:
Insulin-to-Carb Ratio (ICR)
ICR tells you how many grams of carbs 1 unit of insulin will cover at meals.
Key Points:
Blood Sugar Targets
Target ranges help determine when correction doses are needed.
Target Ranges:
Insulin Stacking Prevention
Taking insulin before the previous dose has finished working can cause dangerous low blood sugar.
Prevention Tips:
Safety Guidelines
Always Monitor
Check blood sugar 2-4 hours after insulin doses to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Carry Glucose
Always have fast-acting carbs available to treat potential low blood sugar episodes.
Track Everything
Log insulin doses, carbs, blood sugars, and activity to identify patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about insulin dosage calculations and diabetes management
Calculation Accuracy
How accurate are these insulin dose calculations?
Our calculations use established medical formulas (like the 1800 and 500 rules) that are widely accepted in diabetes care. However, individual needs vary greatly.
Unknown Ratios
Can I use this if I don't know my ISF or ICR?
The calculator provides estimates based on your body weight using standard formulas, but these should only be starting points.