The total amount of insulin (Long + Rapid) taken in 24 hours.
40% (Conservative)
45%
50% (Standard)
55%
60% (Aggressive)
Most starting protocols use 40-50% of TDD.
Calculation Results
Total Daily Basal Insulin:–
Hourly Basal Rate:–
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your endocrinologist or healthcare provider before changing insulin pump settings.
function calculateBasalRate() {
// Get input values
var tdd = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tddInput').value);
var percent = parseFloat(document.getElementById('basalPercent').value);
var resultBox = document.getElementById('resultBox');
// Validation
if (isNaN(tdd) || tdd <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid Total Daily Dose greater than 0.");
return;
}
// Calculation Logic
// 1. Calculate Total Daily Basal amount
var totalBasal = tdd * (percent / 100);
// 2. Calculate Hourly Rate (Total Basal / 24 hours)
var hourlyRate = totalBasal / 24;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('totalBasalResult').innerHTML = totalBasal.toFixed(2) + " Units/day";
document.getElementById('hourlyRateResult').innerHTML = hourlyRate.toFixed(3) + " Units/hr";
// Show result box
resultBox.style.display = "block";
}
How to Calculate Basal Rate for Insulin Pump Therapy
Calculating the correct basal rate is one of the most critical steps in managing Type 1 Diabetes, especially when transitioning from Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) to insulin pump therapy. Your basal rate represents the background insulin your body needs to maintain stable blood sugar levels in the absence of food or exercise.
Understanding the Total Daily Dose (TDD) Method
The most common method for estimating an initial basal rate is derived from your Total Daily Dose (TDD). Your TDD is the sum of all long-acting (basal) and rapid-acting (bolus) insulin you typically use in a 24-hour period.
In a healthy pancreas, basal insulin secretion accounts for approximately 40% to 50% of the total daily insulin output. Therefore, pump therapy protocols usually aim to replicate this physiological balance.
The Calculation Formula
The math behind the Basal Rate Calculator involves two simple steps:
Determine Total Daily Basal: Multiply your TDD by your target percentage (usually 0.50 or 50%). Formula: TDD × 0.50 = Total Daily Basal
Determine Hourly Rate: Divide the Total Daily Basal by 24 (hours in a day). Formula: Total Daily Basal ÷ 24 = Hourly Rate (Units/hr)
Example Calculation
Let's say a patient uses a total of 40 units of insulin per day (combined long-acting and mealtime insulin).
Step 1: 40 units × 50% = 20 units (Total Daily Basal needs).
Step 2: 20 units ÷ 24 hours = 0.83 Units/hr.
In this scenario, the starting pump setting would likely be programmed to deliver roughly 0.8 to 0.85 units per hour throughout the day.
Factors Influencing Basal Rates
While the 50/50 rule is a standard starting point, real-world requirements vary based on individual physiology:
Insulin Sensitivity: Highly sensitive individuals may require a lower basal percentage (e.g., 40%).
Insulin Resistance: Those with higher resistance might require a higher percentage.
Dawn Phenomenon: Many people require higher basal rates in the early morning hours to counteract hormones that raise blood sugar upon waking.
Activity Level: Athletes may require temporary basal reductions during exercise.
Fine-Tuning Your Rate
The calculated rate is merely a starting point. "Basal testing" is required to fine-tune these settings. This involves fasting for segments of the day (e.g., skipping breakfast and monitoring blood sugar until lunch) to ensure the basal rate keeps glucose levels flat rather than dropping or rising.
Always work closely with your Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) or endocrinologist when calculating or adjusting basal rates.