Question 1

How do I convert mg to units on an insulin syringe?

Accepted Answer

On a U-100 insulin syringe, 1 mL equals 100 units. To convert your dose in milligrams to syringe units, first find your vial's concentration in mg/mL by dividing the total mg on the label by the total mL. Then divide your dose in mg by that concentration to get the volume in mL, and multiply by 100 to get units. Example: a 5mg/2mL vial is 2.5 mg/mL. A 0.5 mg dose ÷ 2.5 mg/mL = 0.2 mL × 100 = 20 units.

Question 2

My new vial is a different concentration than my old one — does my dose change?

Accepted Answer

Your dose in milligrams stays exactly the same — the medication itself hasn't changed. What changes is how many units of the new vial deliver that dose. A more concentrated vial requires fewer units; a less concentrated vial requires more. Always follow your prescription label and confirm with your provider when switching vials.

Question 3

What does mg/mL actually mean on my prescription label?

Accepted Answer

mg/mL is concentration — milligrams of medication per milliliter of liquid. It tells you how much medication is dissolved in each mL of liquid in your vial. To find it, divide the total mg in the vial by the total mL: a 5mg/2mL vial has 2.5 mg in every mL, so it is 2.5 mg/mL.

Question 4

What's titration and why is my dose increasing?

Accepted Answer

Titration is the process of slowly working up to your full therapeutic dose, usually over 12 to 16 weeks. Starting at a lower dose helps your body adjust comfortably and reduces side effects like nausea. Your provider increases your dose in small steps based on how you're tolerating the medication. There is no rush — staying at a lower dose for longer is normal and often the right call.

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