Adjusting insulin doses requires careful attention to blood glucose (BG) levels throughout the day. The key is to adjust the dose of insulin prior to the meal that precedes an elevated BG reading. Here's a straightforward guide on how to adjust your insulin:
Understanding the Relationship Between Insulin and Blood Glucose
The following table clarifies how to adjust insulin based on when your blood glucose level is elevated:
| Elevated Blood Glucose Time | Increase Insulin Dose Time |
|---|---|
| Lunchtime | Breakfast |
| Teatime | Lunchtime |
| Suppertime | Evening meal |
Specific Adjustments
Here's a more detailed breakdown of how to adjust your insulin:
- Elevated Blood Glucose at Lunchtime:
- Action: Increase your breakfast insulin dose. This adjustment helps address the high BG level seen later at lunchtime.
- Elevated Blood Glucose at Teatime:
- Action: Increase your lunchtime insulin dose. This will help prevent the rise in BG you see at teatime.
- Elevated Blood Glucose at Suppertime:
- Action: Increase your evening meal insulin dose. This helps manage the elevated BG observed at suppertime.
Practical Tips
- Monitor Regularly: Consistently check your blood glucose levels before meals and at other times as directed by your healthcare provider. This is crucial for identifying patterns and making informed adjustments.
- Keep a Log: Maintain a detailed log of your blood glucose readings and insulin doses. This will assist you and your healthcare provider in making necessary adjustments.
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Always discuss any changes in your insulin dosage with your doctor or diabetes educator. Do not make major changes on your own, especially if you are unsure.
- Incremental Adjustments: Do not make drastic changes to your insulin dose. Adjustments should be small and gradual. Monitor the results of each change carefully and do not make another adjustment until you have given the previous one enough time to have an effect.
- Understand Individual Variations: Remember that everyone's insulin needs are different. What works for one person may not work for another.
Example Scenarios:
Let's look at a few examples:
- Example 1: You notice your blood glucose is consistently high at lunchtime. Following the guidelines, you would increase the dose of insulin taken at breakfast.
- Example 2: If your blood sugar readings are frequently high before the teatime meal, you should increase your lunchtime insulin dose.
- Example 3: If you are experiencing high blood sugar in the evening before your dinner, you should increase your evening meal insulin dose.
By carefully monitoring your blood glucose levels and using these guidelines, you can make effective adjustments to your insulin doses under the guidance of your healthcare provider and maintain better blood glucose control.
