9225Introduction to CHOCounting.pdf - NDR-UK

Bolus Insulin
When you start on your treatment plan, your diabetes team will advise you what bolus you
n e e d .
There are some important things* you need to know when working out how much bolus
insulin you need. For example:
• the carbohydrate content of your meal
• your insulin to carbohydrate ratio (ICR)
• your current blood glucose level.
*Other factors such as activity are considered in greater detail in Carbohydrate Counting, The Next Steps (workbook 2).
What is my insulin to carbohydrate ratio (ICR)?
Your ICR is the number of grams of carbohydrate covered by a certain amount of bolus insulin.
This ratio varies between people. It is affected by how long you have had diabetes, y o u r
w e i g h t , a g e, how much exercise you take or if you are ill. Some people have different ICRs for
different meals or meal times throughout the day.
How do I work out my ICR?
Your diabetes team will help you to work out and check your ICR*.
My ICR is
* Variable ICRs are considered in greater detail in
Carbohydrate Counting, The Next Steps (workbook 2).
What should I do next?
Now that you know your ICR and have learned how to accurately count the amount of
c a r b o h y d rate in your meals and snacks, you can calculate how much insulin you need at each
b o l u s.
Your diabetes team will work through examples with you until you are confident working out
your bolus by yourself.
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