Insulin Dosage Calculator
Calculate mealtime insulin dose for carbohydrate coverage and blood glucose correction
Calculate Mealtime Insulin Dose
Important Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your insulin regimen. Never administer insulin without proper medical supervision and prescription.
If provided, carbohydrate ratio and insulin sensitivity factor will be calculated automatically
Step 1: Carbohydrate Coverage
Grams of carbs covered by 1 unit of insulin
Carbohydrate coverage insulin: 0.0 units
Formula: 0g ÷ 15.0g/unit = 0.0 units
Step 2: High Blood Sugar Correction
How much 1 unit lowers blood glucose
Correction insulin: 0.0 units
Formula: (0 - 100) mg/dL ÷ 50 mg/dL = 0.0 units
Step 3: Total Mealtime Insulin Dose
Example Calculation
Meal with Elevated Blood Sugar
Carbohydrate content: 60g
Carbohydrate ratio: 15g/unit
Current blood glucose: 180 mg/dL
Target blood glucose: 100 mg/dL
Insulin sensitivity factor: 40 mg/dL
Calculation Steps
Step 1: 60g ÷ 15g/unit = 4.0 units (carb coverage)
Step 2: (180 - 100) mg/dL ÷ 40 mg/dL = 2.0 units (correction)
Step 3: 4.0 + 2.0 = 6.0 units total
Insulin Types
Rapid-Acting
Onset: 5-15 min, Peak: 1-2 hrs
Used for mealtime dosing
Short-Acting
Onset: 30-60 min, Peak: 2-3 hrs
Regular insulin
Intermediate-Acting
Onset: 2-4 hrs, Peak: 4-12 hrs
NPH insulin
Long-Acting
Onset: 6-10 hrs, No peak
Basal insulin coverage
Blood Glucose Targets
Note: Individual targets may vary. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized goals.
Quick Reference
Carb Ratio
500 ÷ Total Daily Dose
Insulin Sensitivity
1800 ÷ Total Daily Dose
Typical Carb Ratio
10-15 grams per unit
Typical ISF
30-50 mg/dL per unit
Understanding Insulin Dosage Calculation
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows your body to use glucose (sugar) for energy. It helps regulate blood glucose levels and prevents both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Insulin Therapy Types
- •Type 1 Diabetes: Requires daily insulin replacement
- •Type 2 Diabetes: May require insulin in advanced stages
- •Gestational Diabetes: Sometimes requires insulin during pregnancy
Insulin Dosage Components
Basal Insulin
Long-acting insulin that provides baseline coverage throughout the day
Bolus Insulin
Rapid-acting insulin taken before meals to cover food intake
Correction Insulin
Additional insulin to bring elevated blood glucose back to target
Calculation Formulas
Carb Coverage = Carbs (g) ÷ Carb Ratio
Units of insulin needed for meal carbohydrates
Correction = (Current BG - Target BG) ÷ ISF
Units of insulin needed to correct high blood glucose
Total Dose = Carb Coverage + Correction
Total mealtime insulin dose
Important Safety Considerations
Never administer insulin without medical supervision
This calculator is for educational purposes only
Always verify your calculation
Double-check doses and timing with your healthcare team