Calculating Bolus Insulin for Protein
Patients who follow a diet low in carbohydrate often take bolus insulin as substitute of protein. Mobile apps can be useful in determining the amount of protein in every meal. Most patients start with a trial of insulin dose covering about 20 to 50 percent of protein.
This means that the amount of protein is estimated and about 20 to 50 percent of protein is assumed to be carbohydrates. For example, if you eat 4 oz. of chicken and the chicken is about 25 percent of protein through its weight, this can be estimated that one is actually consuming about 30 grams of protein. As such, the patient may need to take insulin in order to cover up for the 6 grams (20 percent) to 15 grams (50 percent) of protein.
Patients who eat more carbohydrates may experience a lower rate of gluconeogenesis. Thus, the need to administer bolus insulin is less necessary. Those who are into a diet of high carbohydrate are more likely to administer bolus insulin for protein.
