Correction dose

[abdulrahmanbakr]

Hi there! Newbie type 1 here ok so I just learnt about calculating correction factor to correct high blood sugars .... My question is .... after I inject the correction dose when am I supposed to measure again after? To make sure my blood glucose is in range (P.s : I use Apidra for correction which is a rapid acting insulin)

 

[catapillar]

I would be measuring half hourly hourly at least for 4-5 hours if it is your first correction dose.

 

[claire1991]

As far as I know insulin usually peaks at around two hours after use so I would start testing after then. I’m not sure if this is the case for Aprida but if you could find out how long it takes to peak you should then know how long it takes.
Eg. Novorapid peaks at 2 hours and finishes at 4 hours so if I were still high after 4 hours I would correct again. Hope this makes sense.

I also agree with @catapillar and would test regularly when first correcting.

 

[claire1991]

 

[abdulrahmanbakr]

TYVM!! @catapillar @claire1991 !! That was very helpful!

 

[himtoo]

a good question

for me it partly depends on a number of factors

when testing and getting a high reading ( above 11.0 )
I take into account my last bolus and carb intake to decide if a correction may be needed

if I decide a correction is required I work on 1u per 2.5 mmol reduction
so example -- blood sugar 12.3 ( no insulin on board from a prior bolus )
target 5.8 ------ so 12.3 - 5.8 = 6.5mmol to try and reduce

this suggests a bolus of 2.6u -- so that becomes either a 2u or a 3u injection.

these sort of calculations should always be discussed with your diabetic team.

I would test hourly following a correction

also -- welcome to the forum !!!!!!!!!

 

[abdulrahmanbakr]

So I should do first test 30 Mins after correction right? And if it is still high I can’t take any insulin before 4 hours? Until It’s fully out of my bloodstream right?

 

[abdulrahmanbakr]

@himtoo thank you!!

 

[abdulrahmanbakr]

@himtoo One last question to make sure I got that right! So if I’m higher than expected 2 hours after meal (insulin still in blood stream) do I perform a correction immediately? Or I have until the 4 hours are over and see how my blood sugar is ?

 

[abdulrahmanbakr]

Also if i’m lower than expected before meal .... do I substract units same way I add units if I am high before meal?

 

[Grumpy ole thing]

Hi, I usually wait for 4 hours before taking any correction, I understand that it take 4 hours for everything has cleared. Everyone is different so it may be different for you; but 4 hours works for me.

 

[himtoo]

@himtoo One last question to make sure I got that right! So if I’m higher than expected 2 hours after meal (insulin still in blood stream) do I perform a correction immediately? Or I have until the 4 hours are over and see how my blood sugar is ?

that is a question that I cannot precisely answer -- we are all different and our targets may be different , our attitude towards hypos , our lifestyle ( exercise , stress , work , etc )

 

[himtoo]

Also if i’m lower than expected before meal .... do I substract units same way I add units if I am high before meal?

if I am lower than expected prior to a meal I would certainly work out a dose to "minus" the lower blood sugar from the next carb bolus ( if that makes sense )

 

[claire1991]

Also if i’m lower than expected before meal .... do I substract units same way I add units if I am high before meal?

I was told by my team that if you’re low before a meal then treat the low as normal and then do the normal amount of insulin required for your meal.
Things like this are often trial and error.

 

[claire1991]

So I should do first test 30 Mins after correction right? And if it is still high I can’t take any insulin before 4 hours? Until It’s fully out of my bloodstream right?

This is what works for me, again, it’s down to trial and error.