In most sliding-scale insulin therapy regimens, your blood sugar is taken using a glucometer. This is done about four times a day (every 5 to 6 hours, or before meals and at bedtime). The amount of insulin you get at mealtime is based on your blood sugar measurement.

Is Sliding scale insulin given before or after meals?

The general principles of sliding scale therapy are:

You take the same long-acting insulin dose no matter what the blood glucose level. The bolus insulin is based on the blood sugar level before the meal or at bedtime. Pre-mixed insulin doses are based on the blood sugar level before the meal.

Why would you use sliding scale insulin?

Insulin therapy aims to keep blood sugar levels as close to healthy levels as possible, to prevent symptoms and the risk of diabetes complications. The sliding scale is one way of working out how much insulin to take before each meal.