Calculate your bolus dose based on carbohydrate intake and blood glucose correction.
Correction Dose:0 units
Food/Carb Dose:0 units
Total Recommended Dose: 0 units
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Do not make medical decisions without consulting your healthcare provider. Always follow the specific ratios prescribed by your doctor.
function calculateInsulin() {
var bg = parseFloat(document.getElementById('currentBG').value);
var target = parseFloat(document.getElementById('targetBG').value);
var isf = parseFloat(document.getElementById('isf').value);
var carbs = parseFloat(document.getElementById('carbs').value);
var icr = parseFloat(document.getElementById('icr').value);
var correctionDose = 0;
var foodDose = 0;
var totalDose = 0;
// Validation
if (isNaN(bg) || isNaN(target) || isNaN(isf) || isNaN(carbs) || isNaN(icr)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers in all fields.");
return;
}
if (isf <= 0 || icr target)
if (bg > target) {
correctionDose = (bg – target) / isf;
} else {
correctionDose = 0;
}
// Calculate Food Dose
foodDose = carbs / icr;
// Total Dose
totalDose = correctionDose + foodDose;
// Update Results
document.getElementById('resultContainer').style.display = 'block';
document.getElementById('correctionResult').innerText = correctionDose.toFixed(2) + " units";
document.getElementById('foodResult').innerText = foodDose.toFixed(2) + " units";
document.getElementById('totalDoseResult').innerText = "Total Recommended Dose: " + totalDose.toFixed(2) + " units";
}
Understanding Your Insulin Dosage Calculation
For individuals living with Type 1 or insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes, calculating the correct bolus dose is a critical daily task. A precise insulin dose ensures that blood glucose levels remain within a healthy target range, reducing the risk of both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Key Components of the Insulin Calculation
To use an insulin calculator effectively, you must understand the two primary components that make up a mealtime dose:
Insulin-to-Carbohydrate Ratio (ICR): This number represents how many grams of carbohydrates are "covered" by one unit of rapid-acting insulin. For example, a 1:10 ratio means 1 unit of insulin is needed for every 10 grams of carbs eaten.
Insulin Sensitivity Factor (ISF) / Correction Factor: This indicates how many mg/dL your blood sugar will drop with one unit of insulin. If your ISF is 50, one unit of insulin will lower your blood sugar by approximately 50 mg/dL.
The Math Behind the Dose
The total insulin dose is typically the sum of the Correction Dose and the Food Dose.
1. The Correction Dose Formula
If your blood sugar is above your target before eating, you add a correction dose:
This is calculated based on the amount of carbohydrates you are about to consume:
Total Grams of Carbs / Insulin-to-Carb Ratio = Food Dose
Practical Example
Imagine the following scenario:
Current Blood Sugar: 200 mg/dL
Target Blood Sugar: 100 mg/dL
Correction Factor (ISF): 50
Carbohydrates in Meal: 60 grams
Insulin-to-Carb Ratio (ICR): 1:15
Step 1 (Correction): (200 – 100) / 50 = 2 units.
Step 2 (Food): 60 / 15 = 4 units.
Step 3 (Total): 2 units + 4 units = 6 units of insulin.
Important Safety Considerations
While technology and calculators make management easier, diabetes management is complex. Factors like physical activity, stress, illness, and "insulin on board" (insulin from a previous dose still active in your body) can significantly impact how much insulin you actually need. Always consult with your endocrinologist or certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) to determine and adjust your specific ratios.