Basal/bolus insulin administration is a variation on the traditional needle-and-syringe delivery method. It is also known as multiple daily injections (MDI) or the “poor man’s pump.” This method involves several daily injections of fast-acting insulin at mealtimes (the bolus doses) accompanied by one or more daily injections of long-acting insulin (the basal doses).

This method is used to control glucose (blood sugar) levels similar to the use of insulin pumps but at a fraction of the cost. As with pump delivery, the basal/bolus method allows patients greater flexibility in meal planning. In addition, the basal/bolus method can reduce the number of insulin reactions a patient suffers due to a mismatch between peak effect of insulin in the body and meal planning.

Basal/bolus administration is also effective for obtaining tight control of glucose levels.  This method may be beneficial for women trying to bring their diabetes under control before pregnancy.

Though basal/bolus insulin administration offers some advantages to patients, it can also be somewhat difficult to learn. Patients need practice in learning to deliver the right amount of bolus insulin based on the amount of food in a meal. Patients also need to check their glucose levels multiple times and give themselves multiple injections each day. Finally, weight gain can be a side effect of basal/bolus administration.