Disclaimer – T&C

CarboZen is a support tool for people with diabetes, designed to help estimate the dose of rapid insulin to be taken before meals. CarboZen is not a medical device and does not replace in any way the evaluation of a physician or diabetologist.

The user is responsible for the use of the information provided and should always consult their diabetologist before changing insulin therapy.

The formulas used:

Standard bolus

For insulin bolus calculation, CarboZen uses a formula commonly adopted in international diabetology clinical practice to estimate the meal bolus. The formula combines:

• I-C (Insulin / Carbohydrate Ratio): grams of carbohydrates covered by 1 unit of insulin.
• ISF (Insulin Sensitivity Factor): reduction in blood glucose (in mg/dL) obtained with 1 unit of rapid insulin.

FPU (Fat Protein Units)

In addition to the meal bolus, CarboZen can estimate an extended bolus to be taken approximately 1.5–2 hours after the meal, to cover the delayed glycemic effect of proteins and fats. The formula used to calculate FPU was developed by Ewa Pankowska (Blazik M, Pankowska E. Pediatric Diabetes, 2012; 13: 534-9) and later modified by Dr. Andrea Scaramuzza.

• It considers 4 kcal for each gram of protein.
• It considers 9 kcal for each gram of fat.
• Estimated 1 IU of insulin for every 200 kcal coming from proteins and fats.

Sources and clinical recognition

The meal bolus formula is described and used in various clinical and educational settings:

• NIH (National Institutes of Health) — Educational guidelines for diabetes.
• SID (Italian Society of Diabetology) — Educational materials for healthcare professionals and patients.
• Diabetology clinical practice — Daily use by diabetologists in Italy and worldwide.