Step 1: Your Correction Settings
A sliding scale tells you how much rapid-acting insulin to take based on your current blood glucose. It is built from two numbers: your target blood glucose and your insulin sensitivity factor (ISF) — how many mg/dL your glucose drops per 1 unit of insulin.
Don't know your ISF? Estimate it from your total daily insulin dose →
Estimate only — your prescribed correction factor takes priority. For the full ISF calculator, see Insulin Sensitivity Factor.
Quick Check: One Correction Dose Right Now
Already know your numbers and just need a dose for the reading in front of you?
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Suggested correction dose (rapid-acting insulin)
Formula: Correction dose = (Current BG − Target BG) ÷ ISF
This does not account for insulin on board (a recent bolus still working) or carbs you're about to eat. For meal dosing, combine with your insulin-to-carb ratio.
This does not account for insulin on board (a recent bolus still working) or carbs you're about to eat. For meal dosing, combine with your insulin-to-carb ratio.
⚕️ Important: This tool is for education and convenience only. Insulin doses must be individualized and confirmed by your prescribing provider — do not start or change a sliding scale on your own. Sliding scale insulin alone is a reactive strategy; most people do better on a proactive basal-bolus plan. It is not appropriate for suspected DKA (blood glucose persistently >300 mg/dL with nausea, vomiting, or ketones) — that is an urgent medical situation. Patients of our clinic: bring your printed scale to your next visit so we can review it together.