Bolus dose calculation - after many years doing it my way!

andyasw said:

I saw my consultant who informed me that after being type 1 for 34 years I need to comply with the "proper" insulin calculation. This requires dividing the carbohydrate gram dose by 5 to equal the number of Bolus insulin (there is a correction dose formula too).

My question is when should I start this regime? And how long is it likely to be, once started, that my Basal dose becomes apparent that a change is needed? Do I commence at the beginning of a day or at just anytime?

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EllieM said:

Hi @andyasw. That is the normal method of calculation, but the ratios vary from person to person and may need adjustment. Some people even have different insulin ratios at different times of day and some people need extra insulin to counteract the dawn phenomena even if they eat no breakfast.

I assume he suggested this because your current method isn't working as well as you'd like?

I don't think it matters much when you start. Did your consultant tell you how to do basal testing? Personally I try to get the basal right before I mess around with bolus ratios... It should be apparent that your basal is wrong when you go for a long period (eg overnight) without food or bolus and your levels don's stay roughly level....

Good luck.

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Jaylee said:

Hi,

I have to concur with @EllieM & @miahara .

To draw a builder analogy. get your basal dose correct. (The foundation solid.) else you will see many cracks in the "wall plaster" wondering what's happening regarding insulin to carb ratios??

Talk to your consultant. But this link explains. https://www.mysugr.com/en/blog/basal-rate-testing/

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