#1009 Diabetes Pro Tip: Variables (Remastered)

Bolus Techniques

Scott Benner and Jenny Smith explore the intricacies of bolus techniques, emphasizing the need for flexibility in insulin dosing. Scott highlights the importance of adjusting bolus strategies based on various factors like exercise, illness, or even unexpected events. He shares his approach of focusing on insulin units rather than strictly counting carbs, stating, "I look at a plate and I think, that looks like eight units to me" 1. Jenny adds that understanding the lingering effects of basal insulin can help in managing blood sugar levels more effectively 2.

   

Prebolus Timing

Prebolus timing is crucial for effective blood sugar management, as discussed by Scott and Jenny. They stress the importance of initiating insulin action before food intake to prevent spikes. Scott explains, "Any good bolus, the one that has any chance of working, I think it's a nice simple way of saying it has to have a pre bolus" 3. Jenny emphasizes that even a small prebolus can make a significant difference, especially for children with unpredictable eating habits 4.

   

Overbolusing

Overbolusing is a technique used to manage unexpected situations or errors in insulin dosing. Scott describes it as a method to counteract high blood sugar levels when prebolusing isn't possible, by administering more insulin upfront and adjusting later. He notes, "I bolus the meal, I bolus the number, I overbolus up front and create a fall that I then catch with the food" 5. Jenny supports this approach, explaining that it can be particularly useful in situations where blood sugar levels are stubbornly high 2.