Practice question from Endocrine: Diabetes & Insulin Management

A patient on 60 units total daily insulin dose wants to eat a meal containing 90 grams of carbohydrates. Their current blood glucose is 180 mg/dL and their target is 120 mg/dL. How much rapid-acting insulin should they administer? Assume rapid-acting insulin is used and standard dosing rules apply (500 rule for carb coverage and 1800 rule for correction). A. 9 units B. 11 units C. 13 units D. 15 units E. 17 units

Answer

C

Explanation

First, calculate I:C ratio using 500 Rule: 500 ÷ 60 = 8.3 grams per unit (round to 8). Carb coverage: 90g ÷ 8 = 11.25 units. Next, calculate correction factor using 1800 Rule: 1800 ÷ 60 = 30 mg/dL drop per unit. Correction needed: (180 - 120) ÷ 30 = 2 units. Total dose: 11.25 + 2 = 13.25 units, round to 13 units rapid-acting insulin.

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