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Correction Parameters
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About

Managing Type 1 Diabetes involves solving a complex mathematical equation before every meal. The total insulin dose (Bolus) consists of two parts: the "Food Bolus" to cover carbohydrates, and the "Correction Bolus" to bring high blood glucose down to target. Manual calculation during hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episodes is prone to cognitive error.

This tool helps standardize that process using user-specific ratios: the Insulin-to-Carb Ratio (ICR) and the Insulin Sensitivity Factor (ISF). Note: This tool is for educational simulation and should not replace advice from an endocrinologist.

diabetes health insulin bolus calculator

Formulas

The Total Bolus Btotal is the sum of the Food Bolus and Correction Bolus:

Btotal = CarbsICR + BGcurr BGtargetISF

If the result is negative (due to low BG), the negative correction subtracts from the food bolus to prevent hypoglycemia.

Reference Data

ParameterAbbreviationTypical UnitDescription
Blood GlucoseBGmg/dL or mmol/LCurrent sugar level in blood.
Insulin-to-Carb RatioICRg/UnitGrams of carbs covered by 1 unit of insulin.
Insulin Sensitivity FactorISFmg/dL/UnitHow much 1 unit drops BG.
Target GlucoseTargetmg/dL or mmol/LDesired blood sugar level (e.g., 100 mg/dL).
Active InsulinIOBUnitsInsulin remaining from previous doses.

Frequently Asked Questions

mg/dL is the standard unit in the USA and Japan, measuring mass per volume. mmol/L is the international standard (SI), measuring molarity. The conversion factor is 18 (e.g., 100 mg/dL / 18 = 5.5 mmol/L).
ICR is determined by testing. A common starting point (Rule of 500) is 500 divided by Total Daily Dose (TDD), but this varies widely by individual and time of day.
Most insulin pens allow dosing in 1.0 or 0.5 unit increments. Pumps can deliver 0.05 or 0.1 units. Always round according to your delivery device's precision.