1. What is Insulin Correction Scale?

The Insulin Correction Scale (also called insulin sensitivity factor) helps calculate how much 1 unit of rapid-acting insulin will lower your blood glucose. This calculator determines the correction dose needed to bring elevated blood glucose back to target range.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BG \) — Current blood glucose (mg/dL)
• \( Target \) — Target glucose level (mg/dL)
• \( Correction\ Factor \) — How much 1 unit of insulin lowers BG (mg/dL/unit)

Explanation: The equation calculates the units of insulin needed to correct high blood sugar based on your individual insulin sensitivity.

3. Importance of Correction Doses

Details: Accurate correction doses help maintain optimal blood glucose control without causing hypoglycemia. Individual factors like time of day, activity level, and insulin sensitivity affect the actual dose needed.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current blood glucose in mg/dL, your personal target glucose level, and your correction factor (as determined by your healthcare provider). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is the correction factor determined?
A: Typically through trial and error with your healthcare provider, or using the "1800 rule" (1800/TDD) where TDD is your total daily insulin dose.

Q2: Should I round the dose?
A: Yes, typically to the nearest 0.5 or 1 unit depending on your insulin delivery method and healthcare provider's recommendations.

Q3: When should I not use a correction dose?
A: If your blood glucose is below target, before exercise, or if you've recently taken insulin that hasn't fully peaked yet.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: Yes, individual factors like stress, illness, or recent physical activity can affect insulin sensitivity.

Q5: Should I account for insulin on board?
A: Yes, for optimal control you should subtract any active insulin from the calculated correction dose.