Insulin Sensitivity Calculator

Insulin Sensitivity Calculator

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What is Insulin Sensitivity Factor (ISF)?

The Insulin Sensitivity Factor (ISF) helps people with diabetes understand how much their blood sugar level will drop with one unit of insulin. It's also known as the correction factor.

How to Calculate ISF

  1. Determine Your Total Daily Dose (TDD) of Insulin:

    • Your TDD is the total amount of insulin you take in a day, including both basal (background) insulin and bolus (mealtime) insulin. For example, if you take 20 units of basal insulin and 10 units of bolus insulin each day, your TDD would be 30 units.

  2. Use the 1800 Rule:

    • The 1800 rule is a simple formula used to calculate your ISF. You divide the number 1800 by your TDD of insulin.

    • For example, if your TDD is 30 units of insulin:

      ISF=1800TDD=180030=60ISF=TDD1800​=301800​=60

    • This means that one unit of insulin will lower your blood sugar by approximately 60 mg/dL.

Practical Steps

  • Calculate Your TDD: Add up all the units of insulin you use in a day.

  • Apply the 1800 Rule: Divide 1800 by your TDD to get your ISF.

Example

Let's say you take 30 units of insulin each day. Using the 1800 rule:

ISF=180030=60ISF=301800​=60

This means that for every unit of insulin you take, your blood sugar level should drop by about 60 mg/dL.

Why is ISF Important?

Knowing your ISF helps you make better decisions about how much insulin to take when your blood sugar is high. It helps you correct your blood sugar levels more accurately, which is important for managing diabetes effectively.

Remember

  • Consult Your Doctor: Always talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your insulin doses.

  • Monitor Your Blood Sugar: Regularly check your blood sugar levels to see how well your ISF works for you and adjust as necessary with your doctor's guidance.

  • Adjust for Different Times: Your ISF might vary at different times of the day, so it’s important to monitor and adjust as needed.

By understanding and calculating your ISF, you can better manage your diabetes and keep your blood sugar levels within your target range.