Insulin Doses Are Different for Everyone (685 hits)
Many people are perplexed by the wide-ranging dosages given to insulin-injecting diabetics. You may be asking, "What is the normal dose of insulin?" Actually, there's no normal dose, according to the American Diabetes Association. Some bodies are very resistant to insulin and require higher doses. Your own insulin requirement fluctuates depending on your health, physical activity and eating habits.
To evaluate your insulin dose, first estimate the amount of insulin you would need if you didn’t have diabetes. Divide your body weight in pounds by 4. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, your estimated need would be about 50 units. Now, add up all your insulin doses to calculate your total daily dose.
Someone without diabetes makes about 40 units of insulin a day. A dose that is much higher than 50 units indicates that your body is resistant to insulin and requires more than the usual amounts of insulin. A dose that is far lower than 50 units suggests that your body is responsive to insulin, and your own pancreas is still making and releasing insulin. Before you modify your insulin dose, always consult your doctor...
