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Types of Insulin Dosing

Insulin is a natural hormone that is produced by the pancreas. It is essential in order for cells to use and take glucose from the bloodstream. Insulin is used to gain control of blood sugar levels in diabetics. It was first used in 1922 and approved for use in 1939 in humans as a medication. It is made from beef and pork pancreas, but there is also a human recombinant that was approved for use in 1982. Without insulin, diabetes would have a greater mortality rate and complications.

  1. Uses

    • The primary use of insulin is for diabetics. Type 1 diabetics do not produce insulin and are totally dependent on it. Type 2 diabetics use insulin based on the amount of insulin that their pancreas produces. There are a few other conditions that insulin is being used for, but this can be very dangerous. Insulin lowers blood sugar levels and, if it is not being monitored, it can be dangerous. It is also used for weight loss, wrinkle prevention and weight training.

    Once Daily Dosing

    • Some insulin doses are given once a day. It may be given in the morning or at night depending on need of glucose control. It should be taken at the same time of day no matter when used. If glucose levels are high in the morning, then a nightly dose will be needed, and if levels are high during the day, then a morning dose is needed.

    Sliding Scale Dosing

    • Sliding scale dosing is used for patients to regulate their sugars in accordance with their glucose levels. A doctor prescribes a scheduled dosing of insulin to be taken depending on what the levels are at meal time. After the glucose level is determined then the patient will take the appropriate amount of insulin. The doses vary and, if the levels are within normal range, no insulin has to be used.

    Insulin Pump Dosing

    • Insulin pump dosing is a constant continual dosing of insulin throughout the day. A pump is attached to the body and it delivers insulin depending on what the level ranges usually are during the day. For example, if the morning levels are high, then a higher dose will be delivered at that time.

    Basal Bolus Dosing

    • Basal bolus dosing is what is used to match the glucose produced by the liver. It is not a constant amount and dosing changes depending on what is needed by the body. A person would learn to match the amount of insulin with the amount of carbohydrates eaten at a meal. This is used to get the optimal glucose level after a meal.

    Daily Dosing By Body Weight

    • Body weight dosing is used for diabetics who have never had insulin before. It is usually a unit of insulin per kg of body weight per day. It is intended to have an equal amount of insulin over the 24 hour period based on weight and not carbohydrates or past glucose levels.

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