Method for determining glucose-dependent insulin sensitivity factors

Abstract

This invention discloses a method of calculating insulin sensitivity factors for use in calculating insulin doses dynamically as a function of current blood glucose level based on the patient's total daily insulin dose. When the total daily insulin is inserted into the equation, the result is a mathematical function that can be used to estimate the effects of each unit of insulin delivered on a patient's blood glucose level at their current blood glucose level. This mathematical equation is valid over a wide range of diabetic conditions and could be widely used throughout the world at very little cost (and at considerable improvement) to the current technology.

Claims

1. A method of measuring insulin sensitivity, comprising: a formula as follows: $\mathrm{ISF}=\left(\frac{-1}{10}\mathrm{BG}\right)+\frac{2300}{\mathrm{TDD}}$ where, ISF=Insulin Sensitivity BG=Glucose concentration (measured in milligrams per deciliter). TDD=the current average daily dose of insulin given to a specific patient.

2. The method of claim 1, where a user of the invention incorporates the formula into an item of existing software, where the item of existing software is used to run an insulin monitor and an insulin pump, where the item of existing software determines a dosage of insulin to be supplied to a patient.

3. The method of claim 1, where a user of the invention incorporates the formula into an item of new software, where the item of new software is used to run an insulin monitor and an insulin pump, where the item of existing software determines a dosage of insulin to be supplied to a patient.

4. The method of claim 1, where a user of the invention incorporates the formula into both a new software system and an existing software system, where both the new software system and the existing software system determines a dosage of insulin to be supplied to a patient.

5. The method of claim 1, where the formula the provides an accurate insulin sensitivity reading.

6. The method of claim 5, where the insulin sensitivity reading is dynamic in nature as one or more of various components of the equation change.

7. The method of claim 6, where the method can be used for monitoring systems for hospitalized patients to better predict hypoglycemia.

8. The method of claim 7, where the method can establish an absolute maximum blood glucose level beyond which the patient is likely to enter a condition known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis and/or Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome.

9. The method of claim 7, where the method can be used in a stand-alone monitoring system that monitors continuous glucose.

10. The method of claim 7, where the method can be used in existing insulin monitors/pumps and thereby improve their accuracy.

11. The method of claim 1, where the data range is 1,500 to 3,000.

12. The method of claim 1, where the data range is 2,000 to 2,500.

13. The method of claim 1, where the data range is 2,250 to 2,350.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0033] One preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a formula, according to a preferred form of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a formula, according to a preferred form of the invention.

DEFINITION TERMS

[0037] ISF=Insulin Sensitivity

[0038] BG=Glucose concentration (measured in milligrams per deciliter).

[0039] TDD=the current average daily dose of insulin given to a specific patient.

[0040] To use this method of calculating insulin sensitivity, the patient's current average total daily dose (TDD) of insulin is inserted as the denominator of the static constant in the mathematical function at the spot labelled “TDD.” Blood glucose is then measured with a glucometer or other FDA-approved method of determining blood glucose, and the blood glucose concentration as expressed in milligrams per deciliter inserted at the spot labeled “BG.” Estimated current insulin sensitivity is then returned by evaluation of the function. (Chris, where does the 2300 come from?)

UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Current dose calculations for insulin use a static number as an estimate of insulin sensitivity, independent of glycemia. The method described provides a way to replace that static number used in dosage calculations with a mathematical function capable of computing dynamic insulin sensitivity across a wide glycemic range, allowing for more accurate dosing of insulin in patients with insulin-requiring Diabetes, resulting in significantly more accurate dosing during times of elevated blood glucose.

[0042] It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.

[0043] All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.