How Clinicians Estimate Daily Insulin Dose
Starting doses are calculated by weight, then adjusted to the person.
Weight-based starts
Many clinicians start with 0.4 to 0.6 units per kilogram per day in type 1 diabetes, about half as basal and half as mealtime insulin.
Why it changes
Illness, activity, growth, pregnancy and weight change doses. Needs vary widely between people.
Safety
Never adjust insulin from an online tool alone. Work with a diabetes team, and use calculators only to understand the principles.
Try it: Total Daily Insulin Estimator
Example with sample values. Open the full calculator →
Total daily dose35 units
Basal (50%)17.5 units
Bolus (50%)17.5 units
Doses are individual and set by clinicians. This tool only illustrates how dose estimates are commonly structured.
Educational content only. This article does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. Medical disclaimer.