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basal/bolus ratio

cally

cally

Well-Known Member
Messages
232
Location
United Kingdom
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
I am about to spend a few days trying to get my basals right by frequent testing and omitting meals. I find it quite difficult to do basal testing as I don't like missing meals. I eat about 100g -120g carbs a day.

When I got my pump I was told that basals and bolus levels should be about 50/50, however mine are about 60% basal and 40% bolus. Does this really matter?

I know I need to make some changes as last HbA1c was 7.1 which I think is a bit high for me and would prefer it to be in the mid sixes which it was when I first had the pump.
 
John Walsh suggests that most people should have a basal between 40 and 60% and that it's best to start at 50/50.
He suggests that those who use 60% are includes 'some adults, many teens. those with some insulin resistance and people on low carb diets ( he would probably suggest that 100 -120g is low)
If you find that your levels are rising a bit when you fast and you need to raise your basal, then you'll get nearer the 50% which he says applies to most people. It does change, mine is 50/50 for less active periods but when I'm doing a lot of exercise the use of temp basals brings it down to about 40 basal/60 bolus.
Have you got John Walshes book 'pumping insulin ? It has a lot of info on how to set total daily doses.
 
Hia Cally, I'm on the pump since November 2011 and my rates now run at approx 64% basal and 36% bolus. I have had problems stabalising sugars since being on the pump, constantly having to tweak, and I do eat a relatively low carb diet - between 120 and 140g per day. No one has advised me though that this split is in some way wrong, and it's the same insulin going in anyway, so I'm hoping that if these %s of basal and bolus work for me, which they have been for the past 4 weeks touch wood and cross fingers, then I should just continue with these rates.
 
Thanks for your replies.
I think I am more likely to find my levels falling when I fast as I am a person who is always snacking! And even though I have the pump I still find it easier to eat something before exercise as well as temp basal as I can't get the temporary basal right somehow!
I do have the John Walsh book aroud here somewhere so must dig it out before I start.
 
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