1. What is the Correction Factor?

The correction factor (also called insulin sensitivity factor) estimates how much 1 unit of rapid-acting insulin will lower your blood glucose. It's an important parameter for calculating insulin doses for high blood sugar corrections.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard formula:

Where:

• \( CF \) — Correction Factor (mg/dL per unit of insulin)
• \( TDD \) — Total Daily Dose of insulin (units)

Explanation: The formula is based on the observation that insulin sensitivity is inversely proportional to total daily insulin requirements.

3. Importance of Correction Factor

Details: Knowing your correction factor helps you calculate appropriate insulin doses to bring high blood glucose levels back to target range without causing hypoglycemia.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total daily insulin dose in units. This should include both basal and bolus insulin. The value must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 1800 used in the formula?
A: 1800 is an empirically derived constant that represents the average total daily insulin effect across many patients.

Q2: Is this formula the same for everyone?
A: While this is a good starting point, individual sensitivity may vary. Your healthcare provider may adjust this based on your response.

Q3: What's a typical correction factor?
A: Most adults have a correction factor between 30-100 mg/dL per unit. A factor of 50 means 1 unit lowers blood sugar by 50 mg/dL.

Q4: When should I recalculate my correction factor?
A: Recalculate whenever your total daily dose changes significantly (by 10% or more), or if you notice your correction doses aren't working as expected.

Q5: Does this work for children?
A: Children often use a different constant (1500-2000 instead of 1800). Consult your pediatric endocrinologist for appropriate calculations.