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ICR calculations

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Twinkle1710

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Could someone please help I'm struggling to work out my ICR I am trying to control my type 1 diabetes with carb counting. If I get it right I should divide my total daily insulin by 500 but my insulin changes each day as to what my levels are. So in the morning I take 4 units - plus a correction dose of around 1 unit per sugar level I need to reduce - plus 1 unit if insulin for every 15g of carbs I'm eating. Am I doing it right and any tips to help me thanks
 
This is part off an email I received via the Dsn,Hope it helps.

I feel it is important to stop the nocturnal hypo’s as this can cause erratic blood glucose readings in the following 24hr period.



The sensitivity of insulin tends to increase between early evening and to 03.00hrs. Therefore only half your normal correction should be applied during this time period.

You will need to calculate your average total daily dose’s of both your Levemir and Novorapid insulin’s. Then apply the following calculation:

Carbohydrate ratio: Your total daily dose divided by 50

Correction ratio: 100 divided by your total daily dose
 
Heres part two :D

Basically if your blood glucose is about the same from the starting point to the end of the 4 hour period (action of your mealtime dose) then you have had the correct dose. If you check your blood glucose 2 hours after eating it should be 2-4mmols higher than the starting point. If it is lower than this then you have had too much insulin for that particular meal

Good luck
 
Thanks very much for that its a great help I think I am getting it right. But does anyone know how to work out the actual formulas easily. Thanks again
 
My ICR is around 1:7. Using the 500 rule my ICR is 1:15 as my total daily insulin requirement is 34 units. So the 500 rule may not always work. I'd experiment and follow Andy's second post.
 
Every-one's ICR is different and you may find for each meal throughout the day it may vary, it's also worth mentioning that ICR are not set in stone and can differ from month to month........hence the need to test regularly!

There's an online carb counting course which should cover the subject of ICR, you do need to register first but here goes:

http://www.bdec-e-learning.com/
 
SamJB said:
My ICR is around 1:7. Using the 500 rule my ICR is 1:15 as my total daily insulin requirement is 34 units. So the 500 rule may not always work. I'd experiment and follow Andy's second post.
Click to expand...

I dont use the 500 rule either.. not sure how it can possibly be correct for people. I just adjusted my insulin to carb ratios using the NICE guidelines regarding bg levels and what they should be before I eat, then 2 or 2.5hrs later. My TDD is around 24u per day (using a pump).. 50% is on the basal approx and the other 50% is divided up on the bolus. I eat approx 100 - 120g carb per day and my ICRs are about 1:8 during the day and then 1:6 in the evening...
 
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