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How Do Diabetics Use Math?

Math is an important aspect of diabetes management. From counting carbohydrate intake to dosing insulin, the day-to-day treatment of diabetes depends heavily on mathematical functions. Diabetes management requires an understanding of ratios and basic math functions.

  1. Counting Carbohydrates

    • Proper counting of carbohydrates consumed in each meal is a crucial element in properly dosing insulin to manage those carbohydrates.

    Insulin dosage

    • Insulin dosages are calculated depending on the total carbohydrates consumed. For many diabetics, this means calculating one unit of insulin per 15 grams of carbohydrates.

    Insulin Ratio

    • In order to properly adjust a high blood sugar reading diabetics need to understand their insulin ratio, or how many points their blood sugar will drop per unit of insulin, and be able to calculate the insulin need based on the reduction needed.

    Reading a Syringe

    • Many small insulin syringes require the ability to count in fractions of a unit when dosing insulin from a vial. Calculating the proper dosage is vital, as it can be fatal if this is miscalculated.

    Averages

    • Understanding how to calculate daily, weekly, and monthly blood sugar averages helps a diabetic remain aware of how well they are controlling their diabetes.

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