BasalCalc calculates a suggested initial pump basal rate based on inputs such as an individuals weight (kg and lbs), height (cm and ft/in), age and gender. It calculates the BMI (Body Mass Index) based on the weight and height, makes minor statistical adjustments to it for age and gender, calculates the TDD (Total Daily Dose) of insulin based on the adjusted BMI, and finally calculates the suggested basal rate in U/hr.
Use this calculator only on advice from your physician. Your physician will provide you with the correct parameters to be entered. This method for calculating insulin basal rates is not suitable for everyone.
BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculation:
The standard BMI is calculated from the weight (in kg) and the height (in m).
BMI Adjustment for Gender:
Statistical research shows that females tend to have an average BMI that is 5 - 10% higher than men. Researchers believe this should not affect the total daily dose of insulin for females and their weight classification bracket should be adjusted to compensate for this minor difference.
BMI Adjustment for Age:
Research shows that individuals with age ranging from 2 to 19 years of age tend to have proportionately lower BMI than individuals 20 or older. Due to this statistical fact, researchers believe this should be taken into consideration when calculating the total daily dose of insulin for young individuals, and their percentile classification bracket should be adjusted to compensate for that difference.
TDD (Total Daily Dose) of Insulin Calculation and Adjustment for BMI:
The TDD calculation is based on an individual’s weight (in kg) multiplied by a factor related to the BMI. There are 4 factors/brackets used: Frail/Thin/Lean (smallest factor), Healthy, Overweight and Obese (largest factor).
Basal Rate Calculation:
Only a portion of the TDD (optimally 47%, according to research) should be taken into consideration when calculating an individual’s basal daily need. The suggested basal rate is calculated when this adjusted TDD is divided by 24 (hours in a day), yielding a value in U/h. It is only a suggested basal rate, calculated based on the previous parameters. Adjust it according to your body and physician recommendation.
Basal Rate Determination:
Basal insulin requirements will vary between individuals and periods of the day.
Many factors can change insulin requirements and require an adjustment to the basal rate:
• A reduction of basal at night to prevent low blood sugar in infants and toddlers.
• An increase of basal at night to counteract high blood sugar levels due to growth hormone in teenagers.
• A pre-dawn increase to prevent high blood sugar due to the dawn effect in adults and teens.
• In a proactive plan before regularly scheduled exercise times such as morning gym for elementary school children or after school basketball practice for high school children.
• Continued beta cell death following diagnosis of type 1 diabetes
• Growth spurts particularly during puberty
• Weight gain or loss
• Any drug treatment that affects insulin sensitivity
• Eating, sleeping, or exercise routine changes
• Whenever the control over hyperglycemia is degrading
• According to the seasons.
• During a long car drive, when more insulin is needed due to inactivity.
• During and after spontaneous exercise or sports activities, when the body needs less insulin.
• During illness or stress, when basal demand increases due to insulin resistance.
• When blood ketones are present, when additional insulin is needed.
• During menses, when additional basal insulin is needed.