From the Research
In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 1 unit of rapid-acting insulin (NovoRapid, insulin aspart) typically lowers blood glucose levels by approximately 2-3 mmol/L (36-54 mg/dL), though this effect varies significantly between individuals. This insulin sensitivity factor, often called the "correction factor," is highly individualized and depends on several factors including body weight, insulin resistance, time of day, concurrent illness, and physical activity levels 1. Heavier patients or those with greater insulin resistance may experience less glucose-lowering effect per unit (perhaps 1-2 mmol/L or less), while more insulin-sensitive individuals might see a greater response (3-4 mmol/L or more). To determine your personal insulin sensitivity factor, work with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to correction doses over time. When using rapid-acting insulin for corrections, remember that its onset of action is typically 10-15 minutes, peak effect occurs at 1-2 hours, and duration is about 3-5 hours. Always consider active insulin ("insulin on board") from previous doses to avoid insulin stacking and potential hypoglycemia. Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential when using insulin for corrections to establish your individual response pattern.
Some key points to consider when using rapid-acting insulin for corrections include:
- The importance of individualizing the correction factor based on factors such as body weight and insulin resistance 2
- The need to monitor blood glucose levels regularly to establish an individual response pattern 3
- The potential for varying responses to insulin based on factors such as time of day and physical activity levels 4
- The importance of considering active insulin from previous doses to avoid insulin stacking and potential hypoglycemia 5
It's also important to note that the use of rapid-acting insulin should be guided by the most recent and highest quality evidence, and that individual patient factors should be taken into account when determining the optimal correction factor 1.