The formula used to calculate daily insulin requirements in children younger than 12 years who have type 1 diabetes mellitus is:

Rationale: A. 0.1–0.2 u/kg/day is too low for initial insulin requirements in children with type 1 diabetes. B. 0.25–0.45 units/kg/day is the recommended starting total daily insulin dose for children younger than 12 years. This total is typically divided into basal and bolus doses to achieve glycemic control while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. C. 0.3–1.0 u/kg/day may be used in older children or adolescents, especially during puberty when insulin resistance increases. D. 1–1.5 u/kg/day is generally too high for initial dosing and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in younger children.