This App works as an information resource for exploring how much additional insulin a person with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus could require if all three food groups (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) were considered rather than just carbohydrates alone. Clinical experience repeatedly confirms that such “enriched” meals need more insulin than just dictated by the carbohydrate content alone.
Persons with diabetes can and do understand their usual ratios of insulin for grams of carbohydrate ingested. These ratios allow for a modest amount of fat and protein. In fact, these ratios typically evolve to reflect the “usual” amount of fat and protein of a dietary plan as proposed by the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.
No “rules” or “laws” yet exist to so instruct a person with insulin-dependent diabetes as to how much additional insulin would be required for a given “enriched” meal. Nevertheless, current science has established that more than carbohydrate content must be considered if prospective glucose control is to be improved throughout the prolonged period of time required to digest an “enriched” meal. This prolonged time can last for as long as 3 to 6 hours after ingesting the meal.
This app allows for simple data entry of the grams of fat and protein ingested for a given meal or snack. The suggestions for additional insulin required are clearly presented so as to minimize both confusion and complicated calculations. This App facilitates an informed discussion with the person’s Health Care Team.
The information so formulated is ultimately displayed depending on whether the person injects the requisite insulin via an insulin pump or via multiple insulin injections. Based on current science, suggestions as to the time for an extended infusion via an insulin pump are also proposed.
To determine the number of grams of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, the person with diabetes will need to read the food labels or use an App such as CalorieKing®.