5 units of insulin per hour in 500 ml NS means how many insulin units we have to add in total so that the patient recieves 5 units per hour
Answers
xample #1: Carbohydrate coverage at a meal
First, you have to calculate the carbohydrate coverage insulin dose using this formula:
CHO insulin dose =
Total grams of CHO in the meal
÷ grams of CHO disposed by 1 unit of insulin
(the grams of CHO disposed of by 1 unit of insulin is the bottom number or denominator of the Insulin:CHO ratio).
For Example #1, assume:
You are going to eat 60 grams of carbohydrate for lunch
Your Insulin: CHO ratio is 1:10
To get the CHO insulin dose, plug the numbers into the formula:
CHO insulin dose =
Total grams of CHO in the meal (60 g)
÷ grams of CHO disposed by 1 unit of insulin (10) = 6 units
You will need 6 units of rapid acting insulin to cover the carbohydrate.
Example #2: High blood sugar correction dose
Next, you have to calculate the high blood sugar correction dose.
High blood sugar correction dose =
Difference between actual blood sugar and target blood sugar*
÷ correction factor.
*Actual blood sugar minus target blood sugar
The high blood sugar correction factor:
Correction Factor = 1800 ÷Total Daily Insulin Dose = 1 unit of insulin will reduce the blood sugar so many mg/dl
This can be calculated using the Rule of “1800”.
Example:
Assume your total daily insulin dose (TDI) = 160 lbs ÷ 4 = 40 units
In this example:
Correction Factor
= 1800 ÷ TDI (40 units)
= 1 unit insulin will drop reduce the blood sugar level by 45 mg/dl
While the calculation is 1 unit will drop the blood sugar 45 mg/dl, to make it easier most people will round up or round down the number so the suggested correction factor may be 1 unit of rapid acting insulin will drop the blood sugar 40-50 mg/dl.
Please keep in mind, the estimated insulin regimen is an initial “best guess” and the dose may need to be modified to keep your blood sugar on target.
Also, there are many variations of insulin therapy. You will need to work out your specific insulin requirements and dose regimen with your medical provider and diabetes team.