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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Much Of Insulin To Take?

Hi, I need to know how much insulin to take for how many carbs. Is there a ratio. I start out with 50 units of lantus in the am, and 50 units in the pm. I take 25 units before each meal as long as they are 4 hrs apart. I think this is way too much insulin and I am already in the gap and will have to change to something else. I need help. Many thanks~!! Vicki L. Chester YYYY@YYYY
Thu, 9 Feb 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

If your blood sugars are dipping below normal and you are having episodes of hypoglycemia , then it is too much insulin for you.

If your HbA1c and blood sugars are not in control as yet, then it is not too much insulin.

The insulin to carb ratio can vary slightly from one person to the next. It depends somewhat on the individual response to insulin for example two people can consume essentially the same meal with the same amount of carbs , one person may need 5 units to cover the meal, the other may need 10

In general 1 unit of insulin would be needed for 12 to 15 g of carbohydrates. You can note the carbs in your meals for 5 to 7 days, note the amount of insulin that you use and the readings that you get.
This would determine how much insulin you may need to cover your meals.

If the blood sugars drop too low with the insulin then it needs to be reduced

I hope this helps
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How Much Of Insulin To Take?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic If your blood sugars are dipping below normal and you are having episodes of hypoglycemia , then it is too much insulin for you. If your HbA1c and blood sugars are not in control as yet, then it is not too much insulin. The insulin to carb ratio can vary slightly from one person to the next. It depends somewhat on the individual response to insulin for example two people can consume essentially the same meal with the same amount of carbs , one person may need 5 units to cover the meal, the other may need 10 In general 1 unit of insulin would be needed for 12 to 15 g of carbohydrates. You can note the carbs in your meals for 5 to 7 days, note the amount of insulin that you use and the readings that you get. This would determine how much insulin you may need to cover your meals. If the blood sugars drop too low with the insulin then it needs to be reduced I hope this helps