Table 1.

Key Components of Automated Bolus Calculator Training.²⁴

1. Determine patient competency in utilizing MDI therapy and self-management skills, such as carbohydrate counting/calorie counting, sick day management, and hypoglycemia treatment.

2. Assess the appropriateness of each patient’s basal dose and key insulin parameters, including ISF and I:CHO (during all time periods), blood glucose targets, and prescribed dosage adjustments (±%) for exercise and changing health status (eg, physical activity, illness, menstruation).

3. Utilize structured self-monitoring of blood glucose with patients. Although it is neither necessary nor realistic to ask patients to obtain 7-point glucose profiles on a daily basis, periodic use of these profiles (eg, before clinic visits) is advised.

4. Monitor patient therapy persistently. Also, discuss with patients how often they accept bolus advice or override it. What is driving this action? Many software reports will give indication of override frequency.