I have read much discussion lately about pump failures, basal insulin choices, and back-up plans. I commented briefly before, but I thought it might be helpful to share what my Endo and I put together. Since we all are different and have different needs, where my Endo and I have come up with an exact number that works for me, I will use an “X” instead to show where you need to use what number you and your Endo have calculated is right for you. I have given examples below, but please be aware that I am very sensitive to insulin, so my needs may be much less than your needs. So here goes…
Pump Failure Procedures: If pump fails, take “X” units of your back-up basal insulin of choice. (I use Lantus because my insurance pays for that brand.) Repeat each 24 hours. Once you get a new pump, start the new pump 24 hours after your last basal injection.
For Food Bolus: Divide the Carbs Eaten by your Insulin/ Carb Ratio for that meal. (For Example: my Insulin/carb ratio for dinner is 1:16, so if I have 75 carbs for dinner, 75 divided by 16 = 4.68 units of fast-acting insulin.)
For Correction Bolus: To calculate this, note your current blood sugar and subtract your target blood sugar. Divide that result from your Correction Factor to get your Correction Bolus. (Example: Suppose by blood sugar is 304! My Target Blood Sugar is 120, so 304 - 120 = 184. My Correction Factor is 1:95, so 184 divided by 95 = 1.93 units of fast-acting insulin.)
You all should have your insulin/carb ratios, correction factors, and target blood sugars and their corresponding times of day either written down somewhere or in your pump settings.
I have attached my little card and chart if this helps.
Let’s all hope we never need this process, but in this crazy world, I would rather be ready than be put into a panic mode should my pump fail.