Calculator Inputs
Responsive input grid: 3 columns on large screens, 2 on smaller screens, and 1 on mobile.
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Insulin Type | Total Daily Insulin | Current Glucose | Target Glucose | Estimated ISF | Raw Correction Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example A | Rapid-acting | 40 units/day | 220 mg/dL | 120 mg/dL | 45.0 mg/dL per unit | 2.22 units |
| Example B | Regular | 60 units/day | 180 mg/dL | 120 mg/dL | 25.0 mg/dL per unit | 2.40 units |
| Example C | Rapid-acting | 50 units/day | 250 mg/dL | 110 mg/dL | 36.0 mg/dL per unit | 3.89 units |
| Example D | Rapid-acting | 32 units/day | 160 mg/dL | 110 mg/dL | 56.3 mg/dL per unit | 0.89 units |
Formula Used
1) Base insulin sensitivity factor
Rapid-acting ISF = 1800 ÷ Total Daily Insulin
Regular insulin ISF = 1500 ÷ Total Daily Insulin
Custom ISF = Your entered correction factor
2) Raw correction dose
Raw Correction = max(0, (Current Glucose − Target Glucose) ÷ ISF)
3) Optional modifiers
Adjusted Dose = max(0, (Raw Correction × (1 + Illness%)) × (1 − Exercise%) − Active Insulin)
4) Final displayed result
Displayed Dose = Rounded and capped adjusted dose
Projected Glucose = Current Glucose − (Displayed Dose × ISF)
How to Use This Calculator
Step 1: Choose the glucose unit you use most often.
Step 2: Select rapid-acting, regular, or a custom sensitivity factor.
Step 3: Enter total daily insulin, current glucose, and target glucose.
Step 4: Add active insulin, exercise reduction, illness increase, and your maximum correction limit if needed.
Step 5: Submit the form. Review the result block, the summary table, and the plot before discussing any dose change with your clinician.
The calculator is designed to support structured review. It should not replace your personal diabetes action plan, pump wizard, pen memory, or clinician instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is an insulin correction factor?
It estimates how much one unit of insulin may lower glucose. People often call it the insulin sensitivity factor, or ISF. The value is personal and may vary through the day.
2) Is this the same as an insulin-to-carb ratio?
No. A carb ratio estimates meal insulin for carbohydrate intake. A correction factor estimates extra insulin for glucose above target. They often work together, but they are different settings.
3) Why do I enter total daily insulin?
The rapid and regular rules estimate sensitivity from total daily insulin use. Higher daily insulin usually means lower sensitivity, while lower daily insulin usually means higher sensitivity.
4) Why are there rapid and regular options?
Different insulin types can have different activity patterns. This tool separates the common rapid-acting estimate from the common regular-insulin estimate so the starting sensitivity model matches your selection.
5) Why subtract active insulin?
Active insulin may still be lowering glucose from a recent dose. Subtracting it can help you review stacking risk before giving additional insulin.
6) Should I use this during low glucose?
No. If your glucose is low or you suspect hypoglycemia, follow your low-glucose treatment plan instead. This calculator is only for high-glucose correction review.
7) Are exercise and illness percentages standard rules?
No. They are optional planning modifiers. They let you model a possible reduction or increase, but they are not universal clinical rules and should be personalized.
8) Can this replace my clinician’s dosing instructions?
No. Use it to understand the math, compare scenarios, and prepare questions. Your prescribed correction plan, diabetes educator, and clinician guidance should always come first.