1. Introduction

The 1500/1800 Rule provides a way to estimate blood sugar drop caused by each unit of short acting insulin. See the description at DiabetesNet.com for a more detailed discussion of the 1500/1800 Rule.

Since this method only estimates the Blood Sugar/Insulin ratio, you may wish to actually measure your blood sugar ratios to get a more accurate figure. For more information on how to do this see the Other Blood Sugar related HOWTO's listed below.

1.1 Warning

Data collected from the members of the Insulin Pumpers mail list about their actual Blood Sugar / Insulin ratios, indicates that the 1500 Rule may predict ratios that are VERY DIFFERENT from the actual measured ratios of many adults, children, and adolescents. Great care should be used when applying the results prededicted by this rule.

You should consult with your physician and health care team when making changes to your insulin regimen.

1.2 Other Blood Sugar related HOWTO's

• HOWTO profile your BASAL RATESCheck and adjust your Basal Rates
• HOWTO estimate new Basal Rates Graphically estimate your basal rates on-line.
• HOWTO measure Blood Sugar to Insulin ratio Check your Blood Sugar to Insulin ratio.
• HOWTO measure Blood Sugar to Carbohydrate ratio Check Blood Sugar to Carbo ratio.
• HOWTO check your RATIOS Check that your Blood Sugar to Insulin, Carbo to Insulin, and Blood Sugar to Carbo ratios are correct.
• HOWTO estimate Carbo/Insulin RatioUse the 450 Rule to estimate.

1.3 Acknowledgements

The 1500 Rule was developed by Paul Davidson, M.D., Medical Director of the Diabetes Treatment Center at HCA West Paces Ferry Hospital in Atlanta, GA.