Reasons for adjusting insulin

What other reasons might there be for adjusting my insulin? 

• As a simple rule of thumb, if you eat more carbs you need more insulin at that mealtime, and if you eat fewer carbs you need less insulin (see later on calculating your insulin at mealtimes ‘carb counting’)

• If you exercise you might need to lower your dose beforehand (and sometimes after) as exercise burns through glucose 

• Stress can often cause your blood glucose to be either abnormally high or abnormally low so if you are feeling stressed you may have to adjust your insulin accordingly. Everyone reacts differently, so work out how stress affects you and then make the necessary adjustments 

• If you have periods, then just before, during and just after your period your blood glucose can be less predictable and you might need to adjust your insulin dose. See if there is a pattern over a few months and then adjust your dose 

• If you drink alcohol you may have to decrease your insulin to prevent hypos. On the other hand, more insulin may be needed to cover sugary drinks.