Basal/Bolus Balance
How Much Do You Need?
Although there are no perfect answers, almost all Type 1s, and most people with Type 2, on insulin find their control is best when their long-acting insulin (Lente, NPH, Ultralente, or the basal rate on a pump) makes up 55% to 60% of their total daily insulin dose. This level lets you skip meals, and still keep your blood sugars relatively level.
How Do I Tell?
| H or R | L/N/UL | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | ___ units | ___ units | |
| Lunch | ___ units | ___ units | |
| Dinner | ___ units | ___ units | |
| Bedtime | ___ units | ___ units | |
| Subtotal | ___ units | ___ units | = A |
| TDD | ___ units | = B | |
Then divide your TDD (answer B) by your total long-acting insulin (answer A):
B / A = ____% as your Basal/Bolus Balance
Critical question: How close is your 0wn TDD to 55% to 60%?
Pumping Insulin provides much more pump information and is the most helpful book ever written on insulin use.
Using Insulin takes you step by step toward excellent control. Whether you use one injection and pills, or six injections, you'll learn far more from this book than from any other!
Newsletter
Sign up for the Diabetesnet.com newsletter.