Administering supplemental insulin to address elevated blood glucose levels beyond a target range is a common practice in diabetes management. This bolus dose, in addition to regularly scheduled insulin, aims to bring glucose back within the prescribed parameters. For example, if an individual’s target range is 80-130 mg/dL and their pre-meal glucose reading is 200 mg/dL, a supplemental dose based on an established correction factor is generally indicated.
The practice provides individuals with diabetes greater flexibility in their meal choices and helps maintain tighter glycemic control. Historically, rigid dietary restrictions were the primary method for managing blood glucose. Supplemental insulin administration offers a more dynamic approach, empowering individuals to adjust their insulin based on real-time blood glucose measurements and anticipated dietary intake. Consistently maintaining blood glucose within target range reduces the risk of long-term complications associated with diabetes, such as neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy.
