How to Calculate Basal Rates for Diabetic

The basal metabolic rate or BMR is a calculation that determines the amount of calories that one would burn even if absolutely no activity was performed. Calories are burned to keep the body's systems running, and calories are burned even while sleeping. The BMR is based on height, weight and age. The basal metabolic rate for those with diabetes is generally higher, but decreases with insulin therapy. The method for calculation is the same for those who have diabetes and those who do not; however, diabetics can use the BMR to determine, with their physicians, their ideal weights and how to maintain those weights to help manage their type 2 diabetes.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator
• Scale
• Measuring tape

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Instructions

Calculating Basal Metabolic Rates

• 1

  Step on the scale, and obtain weight in pounds.

• 2

  Measure height in inches.

• 3

  Calculate the BMR using the formula. For men, the formula is 66 + (6.23 x weight in pounds ) + ( 12.7 x height in inches ) - ( 6.8 x age in years ). For women, the formula is 655 + ( 4.35 x weight in pounds ) + ( 4.7 x height in inches ) - ( 4.7 x age in years ).