Insulin Sliding Scale
A dosing chart for subcutaneous insulin lispro by capillary blood glucose range, for pre-meal and bedtime checks. With a free interactive calculator.
How to use
Instructions: check capillary blood glucose before meals, at bedtime, and as needed for symptoms of hypo- or hyperglycemia. Use the table below to administer insulin lispro (SC) as needed. This is one example sliding scale; dosing intensity should follow your institutional protocol.
Sliding scale table
| Blood glucose (mg/dL) | Action |
|---|---|
| Less than 70 mg/dL | Hold all insulin and initiate hypoglycemia protocol. |
| 70–150 mg/dL | 0 units |
| 151–174 mg/dL | 2 units |
| 175–199 mg/dL | 4 units |
| 200–224 mg/dL | 6 units |
| 225–249 mg/dL | 8 units |
| 250–274 mg/dL | 10 units |
| 275–299 mg/dL | 12 units |
| Greater than 300 mg/dL | Administer 14 units and call the provider. |
Source: Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Skills [Internet]. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College (Open RN); 2021. Table 19.2, Sample Sliding-Scale Insulin Protocol (NCBI Bookshelf NBK593194). Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Open the interactive calculator in DoseMate →
Frequently asked questions
- What is an insulin sliding scale?
- It's a chart that defines the dose of rapid-acting insulin (lispro) to be given subcutaneously based on the range in which the patient's capillary blood glucose falls at the time of the check.
- When should blood glucose be checked?
- Before meals, at bedtime, and whenever there are symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
- What if blood glucose is below 70 mg/dL?
- Hold all insulin and start the institution's hypoglycemia protocol immediately.
Safety notice: This information is for reference only. Always follow institutional protocols. Clinical decision-support tool; not a medical device.