Subscribe Now

[hb-subscribe]

Trending News

T1D Exchange T1D Exchange T1D Exchange
  • Activity
    • 20 minutes ago
      Steve Rumble likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      I keep my opened insulin in the refrigerator too. When traveling I use a FRIO evaporative pouch.
    • 3 hours, 8 minutes ago
      Donna Owens likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      Yes. It’s f*ing annoying.
    • 13 hours, 51 minutes ago
      Amy Schneider likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      I keep my opened insulin in the refrigerator too. When traveling I use a FRIO evaporative pouch.
    • 15 hours, 17 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      I want a thumbs down icon!
    • 15 hours, 17 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      I seldom have any questions other than RX refill request which I submit through the patient portal. If I do have treatment questions, I typically do my own research, and if not satisfied with what I find out, I submit a question in the portal.
    • 15 hours, 18 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      When I come up with a question between visits, I usually just do some research.
    • 17 hours, 30 minutes ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      I keep my opened insulin in the refrigerator too. When traveling I use a FRIO evaporative pouch.
    • 17 hours, 31 minutes ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Sorry. Of course I store unopened in frig. Opened in my room as I use it up in 30 days
    • 17 hours, 31 minutes ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      No, I keep it in the oven! ;) Same answer as the last time they asked this ridiculous question!
    • 18 hours, 14 minutes ago
      Becky Hertz likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Unopened yes, and now even opened just in case. I am getting a new health [lan (thank goodness a much better one - with better doctors and hospitals in network!) so it's worth it. But I can't get any appt - even for a PCP until September. I've been occasionally buying out of pocket insulin, pump and CGM supplies (in my mind, hoarding is a character asset for T1D people). I need to have my enough stuff to see me through, Of course, I am hoping there''s an appt cancellation.
    • 19 hours, 37 minutes ago
      Bruce Schnitzler likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Unopened yes, and now even opened just in case. I am getting a new health [lan (thank goodness a much better one - with better doctors and hospitals in network!) so it's worth it. But I can't get any appt - even for a PCP until September. I've been occasionally buying out of pocket insulin, pump and CGM supplies (in my mind, hoarding is a character asset for T1D people). I need to have my enough stuff to see me through, Of course, I am hoping there''s an appt cancellation.
    • 21 hours, 34 minutes ago
      alex likes your comment at
      Here’s What You Need to Know About the Dexcom G7
      This article explains the Dexcom G7 features in a clear and easy way, especially for people new to continuous glucose monitoring. Very informative and helpful. Sportzfy TV Download
    • 1 day, 12 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Have you ever been told you couldn’t physically do something because you live with diabetes?
      Long time ago - told there were certain occupations I would not be allowed to do because if T1D. Pilot, air traffic controller, military, etc.
    • 1 day, 12 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      I have been told many times "YOU CAN'T EAT THAT!" ONLY to frustrate them and eat it anyway and then bolus accordingly.
    • 1 day, 13 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      I think it is a common experience for most people with T1D. People do not understand anything about it. I do not take it personally. I try to educate when appropriate.
    • 1 day, 13 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      Lol hell when haven't they. Lol
    • 1 day, 13 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was only 2 when Diagnosed 70 years ago. My small town doctor admitted he didn't know much about T1D, and fortune for my parents and I he called what is now Joslin Clinic, and they told him how much insulin to give me. He taught my parents, who then traveled over 350 miles to Boston, to learn about how to manage T1D. My doctor learned more about T1D, and was able to help 2 other young men, that were later DX with T1D in our small town. I went to Joslin until I turned 18 and returned to become a Joslin Medalist and participated in the research study, 20 years ago. Still go there for some care.
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was 7 when things changed in my home. My older brother was hospitalized for 2 weeks. When he came home, we no longer ate the way we had before. This was 1956. Dessert alternated between sugarless pudding or sugarless Jello. I learned that bread and potatoes had carbohydrates and that turned to sugar. There was a jar in the bathroom. It seemed my brother was testing his urine every time he went in there. There was a burner and pot on the stove designated for boiling syringes. I watched my brother give himself shots and I remember how hard it was to find someone to manage his care if my parents had to travel. Diabetic Forecast magazine came in the mail each month and there were meetings of the local diabetes association that my mother attended religiously. My brother got a kidney and pancreas transplant at age 60 and before he died lived for 5 years as a non-diabetic. A few years later I was diagnosed. Sorry he was not able to make use of today’s technology. I often wonder what he and my late parents would think about me, at age 66, being the only one in the family with type 1.
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 1 day, 19 hours ago
      kilupx likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      My brother was type 1 since an early age. I was only diagnosed in my late 40s
    • 1 day, 21 hours ago
      Phyllis Biederman likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Absolutely nothing. Diagnosed in late December 1962 at at the age of 8 years and was told I was going for a stay in hospital because I have "sugar diabetes".
    • 1 day, 21 hours ago
      Bill Williams likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 1 day, 22 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was diagnosed in 1976 at the age of 18 while in college. One weekend, I was drinking a lot of water and peeing frequently. I remembered having read a Reader's Digest article on diabetes, and I told my friends I thought I might have it. Two days later, the diagnosis was confirmed.
    • 1 day, 22 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Absolutely nothing. Diagnosed in late December 1962 at at the age of 8 years and was told I was going for a stay in hospital because I have "sugar diabetes".
    Clear All
Pages
    • T1D Exchange T1D Exchange T1D Exchange
    • Articles
    • Community
      • About
      • Insights
      • T1D Screening
        • T1D Screening How-To
        • T1D Screening Results
        • T1D Screening Resources
      • Donate
      • Join the Community
    • Quality Improvement
      • About
      • Collaborative
        • Leadership
        • Committees
      • Centers
      • Meet the Experts
      • Learning Sessions
      • Resources
        • Change Packages
        • Sick Day Guide
        • FOH Screener
      • Portal
      • Health Equity
        • Heal Advisors
    • Registry
      • About
      • Recruit for the Registry
    • Research
      • About
      • Publications
      • COVID-19 Research
      • Our Initiatives
    • Partnerships
      • About
      • Previous Work
      • Academic Partnerships
      • Industry Partnerships
    • About
      • Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Culture & Careers
      • Annual Report
    • Join / Login
    • Search
    • Donate

    Do you most often bolus before, during or after you eat a meal?

    Home > LC Polls > Do you most often bolus before, during or after you eat a meal?
    Previous

    If you wear a CGM and share your alerts with any friends or family, do you ever feel like your followers worry too much or contact you more often than you’d like?

    Next

    For people with T1D who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine: Did you have any of the following side effects? Select all that apply to you.

    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard has worked in the diabetes research field ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Marketing Manager at T1D Exchange.

    Related Stories

    Advocacy

    Blue Circle Health: A Free Virtual Program Expanding Support for Adults Living with Type 1 Diabetes 

    Michael Howerton, 4 days ago 4 min read  
    News

    Thyroid Eye Disease (TED): What You Need to Know 

    Jewels Doskicz, 6 days ago 4 min read  
    News

    Immunosuppressants in T1D Research: Expert Opinions from Diabetes Pharmacist Diana Isaacs 

    Jewels Doskicz, 1 week ago 5 min read  
    2025 Learning Session

    The 2025 T1DX-QI Learning Session: Driving Better Diabetes Care 

    Sarah Howard, 3 weeks ago 7 min read  
    Lifestyle

    Barriers to Care in Aging: Voices from the T1D Community 

    Jewels Doskicz, 3 weeks ago 7 min read  
    Lifestyle

    When T1D Becomes a Calling: Stories From our Team 

    Jewels Doskicz, 4 weeks ago 11 min read  

    25 Comments

    1. Ceolmhor

      Breakfast: before;
      lunch: usually, but depends on situation;
      dinner: definitely depends on situation

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Ahh Life

      Driven by gastroparesis digestive uncertainties, I now bolus most often afterwards even with Control IQ. In the good ol’ days I always, always bloused prior to a meal. Nowadays things are different and more extended. ¯\_( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)_/¯

      3
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Anne Blayney

        Same here! And even dosing after the meal, I usually do an extended bolus, too.

        2
        5 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. john36m

      Usually right before the meal (Lyumjev). When I was on Humalog I pre-bolused appx 20 minutes prior.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Retired and glad

      It all depends on my number going into the meal, but usually I bolus either right before or during the meal.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Grey Gray

      After… slow digestion.. if I eat a fatty meal I wait till I get a rise alert from pump before bolus in order to stay away from hypo

      3
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Tod Herman

      I answered during, but it varies with me mostly because I am fairly busy. If it’s a routine meal (breakfast) then I can do it before. But if its a customized dinner, then I wait until I can count the carbs in all the parts. Or, as others have said, if I am low then I will wait a bit to allow my levels have come back up (but base the bolus off of the original glucose level). It’s never a constant time but I try to do it early if I can.

      3
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Jana Foley

      You would think that I’d remember to do it before I eat, but unfortunately I don’t always get that done. It’s usually during my meal that I remember to enter my carbs and bolus.

      3
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Daniel Bestvater

      Depending on BG level. Usually 15 – 60 minutes before meal.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Lynn Smith

      Depends on my BG before I eat. If normal or high, I bolus before the meal. If low, I wait until BG starts rising and then I bolus.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. dave hedeen

      exception- if BG is low to very low, either delay insulin or decrease amount by 50%.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Janis Senungetuk

      Usually I bolus right before I start eating. As I’m normally the one preparing the meal, the carb count can change depending on what’s in our refrigerator/freezer.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Derek West

      I use Fiasp Novolog which is mean to be faster acting but I still usually bolus 15 to 30 minutes before I eat, except as someone else noted, if my glucose reading is low. Blood sugar may dip a little before food is absorbed but it does reduce the highs after the meal.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Nicholas Argento

      I try to dose 20-25 minutes before a meal with carbs that spike like breakfast cereal. Much better post meal control!

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Carol Meares

      I’m trying to prebolus 15 minutes or more. It’s hard to know exactly when that is when I am cooking a meal and I get nervous about prebolusing when I am below 100. I get distracted:-/ But I am trying to even out my hills a bit. I know it doesn’t need to be flat but I can go up above 160 with arrow angled upward sometimes after dinner and once it gets up there it is difficult to bring back down without aggressive bolusing and a run around.
      When eating out (ha, historically speaking) I wait until the food is delivered which usually means I will go high after a meal. But eating “low carbish” helps.

      2
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. ConnieT1D62

      All depends on what my BG is doing before start of a meal, and what kind of food I am eating for the meal.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. connie ker

      I go by the numbers game as to when I shoot up. If below 70, I bolus following the meal. If in range, before the meal. If high, I bolus and wait to eat. What a game to play each and every day.

      2
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Jneticdiabetic

      The intention is always to bolus before meals unless low, but between the kiddies and work deadlines I often forget till mid way through or after my meal these days. It does make post meal BG management more challenging for sure.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Molly Jones

      Before I take the first bite, but almost immediately.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Ken Raiche

      I put other because every meal presents a never ending different scenario. That said times have changed as of late, well over the last 6 weeks. Ever since starting the Keto diet I rely solely on my basal rate throughout the day unless my carb count is higher then normal then I will bolus but that hardly ever happens.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Sally Numrich

      Before. Usually 15 minutes but that is always based on my starting point. If in range and normal meal, 15 minutes. If higher, I will wait longer until the CGM shows a down dot. If low, I will eat right away. No perfect plan with diabetes!

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. linda prichard

      I bolus during my meal because I want to be sure I can eat my entire meal. Also, I’m a slow eater and don’t want to have to worry about going low.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. linda prichard

      … but reading all your comments is an encouragement to me to take my insulin sooner; I know it would help reduce the spikes.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Paul Madden

      I bolus at meals; a split dose of Afrezza and Novolog. It works better and is easier than anything else I have ever tried in my 59+ years with T1D.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. Cheryl Seibert

      I primarily bolus before I eat. I also marked “Other” since many of my boluses are Extended (some now, the rest spread over a set time, usually 15-30 mins). The type of bolus depends on my BG, type of food eaten and expected activity after the meal.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply

    Do you most often bolus before, during or after you eat a meal? Cancel reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.




    101 Federal Street, Suite 440
    Boston, MA 02110
    Phone: 617-892-6100
    Email: admin@t1dexchange.org

    Privacy Policy

    Terms of Use

    Follow Us

    • facebook
    • twitter
    • linkedin
    • instagram

    © 2024 T1D Exchange.
    All Rights Reserved.

    © 2023 T1D Exchange. All Rights Reserved.
    • Login
    • Register

    Forgot Password

    Registration confirmation will be emailed to you.

    Skip Next Finish

    Account successfully created.

    Please check your inbox and verify your email in the next 24 hours.

    Your Account Type

    Please select all that apply.

    I have type 1 diabetes

    I'm a parent/guardian of a person with type 1 diabetes

    I'm interested in the diabetes community or industry

    Select Topics

    We will customize your stories feed based on what you select here.

    [userselectcat]

    We're preparing your personalized page.

    This will only take a second...

    Search and filter

    [searchandfilter slug="sort-filter-post"]