The Carbohydrate unit (KE) is a convenient unit of measurement that simplifies the carbohydrate content of foods for insulin calculation. One KE corresponds to 10 grams of usable carbohydrates and is primarily used by people with type 1 diabetes to estimate the amount of insulin required (bolus). It differs from the older bread unit (1 BE = 12 g carbohydrates), but offers a simpler basis for calculation
Definition and calculation
1 KE = 10 g carbohydrates. The amount of insulin required results from the individual insulin-carbohydrate ratio (e.g. 1 KE = 1.5 IU insulin). The KE facilitates the precise bolus calculation at meals.
Practical examples
| Food | quantity | approx. KE |
|---|---|---|
| White bread | 1 slice (25 g) | 1 KE |
| Apple | 1 medium (150g) | 1.5 KE |
| Rice (cooked) | 50g | 1 KE |
| Dextrose (pure glucose) | 10g | 1 KE |
| Hyporest mini tablets (200 mg) | 50 mini tablets | 1 KE |
Therapeutic relevance
At Hyporest correspond:
- 25 tablets = 5 g dextrose = 0.5 KE
- 50 tablets = 10 g dextrose = 1 KE
Clinical application notes
- Foods with a high glycemic index (e.g. dextrose) work faster than complex carbohydrates
- The number of KE often has to be adjusted when exercising, drinking or stress
- Modern insulin pumps and CGM systems make KE-based bolus calculation easier
Further information:
→ Diabetes mellitus – knowledge and overview
→ Why hyporest
→ 15-15 rule
Sources
- German Diabetes Society (DDG). S3 guideline “Diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2”. As of 2025. Available at: www.deutsche-diabetes-gesellschaft.de/leitlinien.
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care. 2026;49(Suppl 1). Available at: diabetesjournals.org.
- Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Federal health reporting – diabetes mellitus in Germany. Berlin 2024.
- International Diabetes Federation (IDF). IDF Diabetes Atlas. 11th edition. Brussels 2025. Available at: diabetesatlas.org.
Important note:
The information in this encyclopedia article is intended solely for general and non-binding information. They do not replace medical advice, diagnosis or therapy. If you have any health questions or complaints, please always consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The content was created with the greatest possible care, but errors cannot be completely ruled out.
Last updated: March 13th 2026
