This leaflet is designed for people taking once daily insulin (examples include: Humulin I®, Insulatard®, Levemir ®, Lantus®, Abasaglar®, Toujeo®, Tresiba® ) for treating diabetes.
Why have I been given this leaflet?
This is to support you with adjusting your insulin doses to achieve blood glucose readings which are within target range. Keeping blood glucose readings within range as much as possible will minimise risks of complications due to diabetes.
When should I test my blood glucose levels?
We would recommend testing your blood glucose levels first thing in the morning (before breakfast) and before your evening meal (teatime), as a minimum.
You may wish to test your glucose levels more frequently if you are feeling unwell.
What should my blood glucose targets be?
For most people with diabetes, we would recommend keeping blood glucose levels between 4-7 mmol/L before meals.
These targets may vary according to individual circumstances, depending on previous discussions with your diabetes team. If you are unsure what glucose levels to aim for, please discuss this with a member of the diabetes team.
How do I know when to adjust my insulin doses?
Look at the trend of glucose readings over a 3-day period. If most of these readings are too high or too low, then consider adjusting your insulin doses.
Do not adjust insulin doses if only one or two readings in the 3-day period are not in target.
How do I adjust my insulin dose?
Please refer to the quick guide below. Please feel free to update “My Current Insulin Doses” with the date each time you make adjustments.
| Blood Glucose (mmol/L) | Less than 4 (“low”) | 4 to 7 (“OK”) | Between 7 and 20 (“high”) | More than 20 (“very high”) |
| Before Breakfast | Reduce insulin dose by 10% | No change | Increase insulin dose by 10% | Increase insulin dose by 20% |
| Before Evening Meal (Teatime) | Reduce insulin dose by 10% | Increase insulin dose by 10% | Increase insulin dose by 20% | |
| Before Bed (if checking) | Reduce insulin dose by 10% | Increase insulin dose by 10% | Increase insulin dose by 20% |
My Current Insulin Doses
| Date: | ||
| Insulin Dose | 10% =____units 20% =____units |
If you require further advice about adjusting insulin doses, please contact a member of the team who normally supports you with diabetes care.