Boluses in Insulin Therapy

Abstract

Giving a bolus is one major part in multiple dose insulin therapy (MDI) along with basal insulin substitution. To adjust the bolus optimally, different factors like carbohydrate content and composition of the meal, correction factors, and timing have to be considered. Advances in technologies like bolus advisors can assist the patients but still there a several open questions and technical challenges regarding boluses. This commentary provides an opportunity to address several of the above-mentioned factors influencing the result of bolusing. It shall draw attention to those factors and address the current opportunities, for example, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), as well as the need for further studies which can help to improve diabetes insulin therapy by means of the correct use of boluses.