How to Use This Calculator
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Your Weight
Weigh yourself in pounds using a reliable scale
Diabetes Type
Know if you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
Insulin Sensitivity
Ask your doctor how sensitive you are to insulin
Step 2: Enter Your Details
Weight in Pounds
Enter your weight (45-440 lb range)
Select Diabetes Type
Choose Type 1, Type 2 starting, or Type 2 established
Pick Sensitivity Level
Select from very sensitive to very resistant
Get Your Dose
Calculator shows your total daily insulin dose
How the Calculator Works
Simple Math
Start with Your Weight
Multiply your weight by a number based on diabetes type
Adjust for Sensitivity
Lower if sensitive, higher if resistant
Split the Dose
Divide between basal (background) and bolus (mealtime)
The Formula
Type 1 Diabetes
Weight × 0.23 to 0.27 units/lb (≈0.5-0.6 units/kg)
Type 2 Starting
Weight × 0.09 to 0.18 units/lb (≈0.2-0.4 units/kg)
Type 2 Established
Weight × 0.18 to 0.27 units/lb (≈0.4-0.6 units/kg)
Basal vs Bolus Insulin
Basal (Background)
Long-acting insulin that works all day
Usually 40-50% of total dose
Bolus (Mealtime)
Fast-acting insulin before you eat
Usually 50-60% of total dose
Understanding Insulin Dosing
What is Total Daily Dose?
Your Total Daily Dose (TDD) is the amount of insulin your body needs each day. It includes both background insulin (basal) and mealtime insulin (bolus).
Two Types of Insulin:
- Basal: Long-acting, keeps sugar stable between meals
- Bolus: Fast-acting, covers food you eat
Why Does It Matter?
Taking the right amount of insulin helps keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. Too little or too much can cause problems.
Benefits of Right Dose:
- • Stable energy: No high or low blood sugar
- • Better health: Protects your body long-term
- • Feel normal: Live your life without worry
Risk Factors
Things that can affect how much insulin you need
Things You Can Control
You can change these:
- What you eat and drink
- How much you exercise
- Your body weight
- Stress levels
Other Factors
These need attention:
- Being sick or having an infection
- Other medications you take
- How long you've had diabetes
Lifestyle Changes
Eating Right
Count Your Carbs
Learn how many carbs are in your food
Eat at Regular Times
Have meals at the same time each day
Choose Healthy Foods
Vegetables, lean protein, whole grains
Daily Habits
Check Your Blood Sugar
Test regularly to see how you're doing
Stay Active
Exercise helps insulin work better
Keep a Log
Write down your doses and blood sugars
How to Get Accurate Results
Before Using Calculator
- Weigh yourself on a good scale
- Know your diabetes type for sure
- Ask your doctor about your insulin sensitivity
Important to Know
- This is just a starting point
- Your doctor will adjust your actual dose
- Everyone is different
When to Seek Emergency Care
Get help RIGHT AWAY if you have:
Emergency Signs:
- Very low blood sugar (under 70 mg/dL)
- Feeling confused or dizzy
- Very high blood sugar (over 300 mg/dL)
- Throwing up and can't keep food down
- Trouble breathing
- Passing out or can't wake up
Call Your Doctor If:
- Your blood sugar stays high or low
- You're not sure about your insulin dose
- You have questions about managing diabetes