Insulin (soluble, regular)
DKA: fixed-rate 0.1 units/kg/hour IV. Hyperkalaemia: 10 units with 25 g dextrose. Correction doses SC per unit chart.
On this page
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| DKA | Fixed-rate IV infusion 0.1 units/kg/hour (actual weight); 50 units in 50 mL 0.9% saline = 1 unit/mL |
| HHS (if glucose not falling with fluids, or ketones) | 0.05 units/kg/hour |
| Hyperkalaemia | 10 units IV in 50 mL 50% dextrose over 15 minutes |
| Correction dose (ward) | Per unit chart, e.g. 2–6 units SC depending on sugar and sensitivity |
Cautions
- Write "units" in full; never "U".
- Check sugar hourly on IV insulin and for 6 hours after insulin-dextrose.
- Continue long-acting insulin in type 1 diabetes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the insulin rate in DKA?
A fixed rate of 0.1 units/kg/hour IV, based on actual body weight.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Insulin is covered in our textbook chapter Diabetes drugs in pregnancy, with practice MCQs.