This method of managing diabetes involves determining two types of insulin doses: a consistent, background dose (basal) and doses taken before meals to cover carbohydrates consumed (bolus). A basal dose keeps blood glucose levels relatively stable between meals and overnight, while bolus doses address the expected rise in blood glucose after eating. A patient might, for example, take a long-acting insulin once daily as their basal dose and a rapid-acting insulin before each meal as their bolus dose.
Precise management of blood glucose levels is essential for preventing long-term diabetic complications, such as nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease. This approach offers individuals greater flexibility in their meal timing and carbohydrate intake compared to older, fixed-dose regimens. It allows for adjustments based on individual needs and variations in daily activities, leading to improved glycemic control and a better quality of life. Historically, achieving this level of personalized glucose management required multiple daily injections of regular or NPH insulin. Advancements in insulin formulations and delivery devices, including insulin pumps and pens, have significantly simplified this process and made it more manageable for individuals.
