Total Daily Insulin Dose Calculator
Estimate your Total Daily Dose (TDD) of insulin based on body weight, diabetes type, and insulin sensitivity - a key starting point for dosing calculations.
Educational estimator only - not medical advice.
Range: 20-300 kg
Enter your weight above to see your estimated Total Daily Insulin Dose.
This calculator uses the weight-based TDD estimation method. The multiplier varies by diabetes type and insulin sensitivity:
Type 1 Diabetes factors:
- Insulin sensitive: 0.4 units/kg/day
- Normal: 0.5 units/kg/day
- Insulin resistant: 0.6 units/kg/day
Type 2 Diabetes factors:
- Insulin sensitive: 0.5 units/kg/day
- Normal: 0.7 units/kg/day
- Insulin resistant: 1.0 units/kg/day
The result is a starting estimate only. Many factors - activity level, diet composition, stress, hormones, medications, and illness - will shift your actual TDD significantly. Always titrate insulin under medical supervision.
TDD is the foundation of all other insulin calculations. Your Insulin-to-Carb Ratio (ICR = 500 / TDD) and Correction Factor (CF = 1800 / TDD for rapid-acting) both derive directly from your TDD.
People with Type 2 diabetes frequently require higher TDDs due to insulin resistance - the body's cells respond less efficiently to insulin signals, requiring more insulin to achieve the same glucose-lowering effect.
TDD should be reassessed regularly. Weight changes, fitness improvements, new medications, and changes in diet can all alter your insulin requirements over time.
Understand how your Total Daily Insulin Dose connects to every aspect of your diabetes management - from ICR and correction factors to basal/bolus ratios. Covered in depth in the FOD Trilogy.
FOD Mature - Ch. 11: InsulinThis calculator provides educational estimates only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. Insulin dosing is safety-critical - incorrect doses can cause severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, both of which can be life-threatening. Never adjust your insulin regimen without consulting your diabetes care team, endocrinologist, or qualified healthcare provider. Always verify any calculated dose with your prescribing clinician before use.