Temporary basal rate (TBR)

This feature of your insulin pump allows you to increase or decrease your current basal rate to target events such as sick days, exercise, everyday activities, alcohol and in some cases medications (e.g. steroids).

The Temporary Basal Rate (TBR) adjusts the basal rate temporarily by increasing or decreasing by a percentage from the usual rate over a specified time period 30 mins–24 hrs.

This feature is not automatic and the adjustments required are based on personal experience related to your individual sensitivity to insulin.  Over time you will be able to work out:

• How much more or less (usually as a percentage) of your normal basal rate you need to adjust
• How much time you will need to run it for

A higher percentage TBR might be used during illness or stress to help target high blood glucose levels whilst a lower percentage TBR is useful not only during and after activity but can also be extended further while you sleep following a period of intense or extended activity to prevent hypoglycaemia. A lower TBR may also be needed to prevent nocturnal hypoglycaemia or delayed hypoglycaemia after consuming alcohol.

Refer to your insulin pump’s user manual for specific guidelines on how to adjust your TBR.