Correction doses

[Hanmillmum]

Hi,


Just wondering with correction doses, how long should it take to reach the target level ? Is it at the peak of the insulin, say at 90 mins, or the whole duration of the insulin activity - 4hrs ? What have you guys found or been told ?

 

[Robster65]

For me, ideally it'll bring me down within an hour or two but you should see some action within the hour.

It all depends on what's causing the high and what time of day, etc.

I can speed up the correction by light exercise (short walk, etc) after about an hour but you have to be careful not to go too far the other way.

It's a personal thing like everything.🙂

Rob

 

[Hanmillmum]

Thanks for reply,

I always check after the hour as protocol to make sure it is decending but it does take longer to get back to normal range. I just wondered if there were any rules about the timing of this.

Have certainly found if it's a food delay thing, and I haven't extended the bolus for long enough it can take ages to get to normal range, sometimes a couple of corrections too.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

As Robster says it will be personal to some extent, but in general terms you would expect the insulin to be having an effect up to 4-6 hours. Some people suggest that half the dose will be 'used up' by around 2 hours do you might see some significant effect by then, but you may also still be seeing measurable reductions between hours 4 and 5.

You have to kinda suck it and see really!

 

[Robster65]

I can only speak from an MDI view and obviously I try to avoid extra jabs, but sometimes it can take me more than 1 if it's due to a delayed spike from a guessed meal, etc.

It's a lot more hit or miss than the doctors/nurses would imagine. You can't match the body's response with any amount of gadgetry. I would work on the 1-2 hour window for near normal but keep in mind the 4 to 5 hour tail off if you have to on a pump (I presume you do). 🙂

Rob

 

[schmeezle]

Hi Hanmillmum,
My take on corrections w/rapids - they're designed to bring you down safely in the 4-5 hour mark.

There are times where I add extra insulin to corrections to cut down this time - and it's usually time to snack or eat again, so the extra insulin is needed. It's just that I'm eating 45 minutes after my snack bolus sometimes.

With cgm use, I routinely see two "windows" of BS activity. After a dosage, it takes 45 minutes before anything happens (this happens alot, where I'm flat for this time), it's the second 45 minutes where the real activity happens. If I see downward action before the first 45 minute mark, I know to look-out earlier and monitor for hypo.

FWIW......these would be insulin related properties to research: plasma insulin levels, Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic

 

[NatB]

I usually find it peaks at 50 to 90 minutes and may continue for up to four hours. If u are unwell your body becomes resistant to the insulin.
I only know this as i have a poor immunity level and am frequently using corrections.

 

[trophywench]

Published Insulin profiles here

http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/info/?page_id=408

I often don't see any reduction for over an hour. But does your meter not work this out for you and tell you exactly what to deliver to correct, bearing in mind IOB ? The bolus calculator for my pump is actually in the meter/remote software so when I'm high obviously I enter 'post meal' and leave the carbs bit blank, then hit the 'calculate' key. Then confirm, then deliver. Doesn't often get it wrong!

 

[Ruth Goode]

I know how you feel, sometimes it's works but sometimes not, also it's can be scary in case Carly go hypo! I usually give her correction and leave it for 4 hours. I rely on the meter (Aviva Expert) its wouldn't let you give correction again in 1-2 hours!

 

[Phil65]

Published Insulin profiles here

http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/info/?page_id=408

I often don't see any reduction for over an hour. But does your meter not work this out for you and tell you exactly what to deliver to correct, bearing in mind IOB ? The bolus calculator for my pump is actually in the meter/remote software so when I'm high obviously I enter 'post meal' and leave the carbs bit blank, then hit the 'calculate' key. Then confirm, then deliver. Doesn't often get it wrong!

mmmmm I have never entered 'post meal' and I tend to pretty much ignore the Insulin on Board (don't trust it but do take it into account)....I'm a bit lazy! and should look at this! I do know...(for me that is) that the bolus insulin profile is the same on my pump as it was on MDI....not a great bg difference until 1 hour, then peaks at 2 hours and only drops slightly over hours 3 and 4. .......everybody is different though!