Are you injecting insulin the right way? Read on to know! | Zyla Health
“I have been a Type 1 Diabetic since the age of 8. I thought that now I might be an expert on Type 1 Diabetes and especially insulin injecting techniques.
But to my surprise, I was unaware of some of the very basic steps while injecting insulin. It came under the light when my stomach area started getting hard and I wasn’t able to inject insulin there. I had to inject insulin in my thighs and biceps which is uncomfortable for me.
On consulting my doctor, he revised every step. Now, I am very careful with my insulin injection technique. It feels good and reduces stress to a good extent. I hope every diabetic is aware of this and is not making the mistakes as I did.”
Insulin from an external source is required when the beta cells of the pancreas are destroyed and are not able to produce insulin or when the cells do not respond to insulin at all (insulin resistance).
Proper technique is everything for diabetics when it comes to making insulin injections easy. It is essential as it helps in maintaining blood sugar levels within the normal limits and preventing any harm to the skin in the long run.
Here’s the complete guide on how to inject insulin the right way. Read until the end to see if you’re missing out on some steps or not…
Different methods of injecting insulin
There are 4 different ways to inject insulin and these are as follows:
1. Syringe
Earlier, using syringes was quite common but now patients find insulin pens more convenient to use.
- Syringes are made of plastic and have a hollow centre with a needle in front and a plunger at the back. The outside of the hollow centre has lines drawn over it to measure the volume of insulin and take it accordingly.
- They vary by the amount of insulin it can hold and the size of the needle.
- Previously, >12 mm needles were used but now, it’s available in 8 mm, 6 mm and 4 mm. A shorter size means less discomfort but a slightly slower impact.
- They are used at the scheduled time i.e. if a patient is prescribed Tresiba (long-acting insulin) after dinner so a syringe is used to take Tresiba after dinner whereas if Novolog (rapid-acting insulin) is prescribed thrice daily (before breakfast, lunch and dinner), then a syringe is used to take Novolog at those scheduled times i.e. before breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- One must not reuse it even once or share a syringe with anyone.
2. Insulin pen
The appearance of this device is as per the name suggests i.e. a pen. Insulin pen makes your insulin injection process easier.
- There are two types of insulin pens available i.e. reusable pen and disposable pen. In a reusable pen, cartridges are changed after it’s used whereas in a disposable pen, when the pre-filled cartridge is used, the pen is also thrown away.
- The reusable pens are more durable and have a function to remember the past doses.
- The dial makes it easy to set the units and take precise insulin units.
3. Insulin pump
When patients experience difficulty taking insulin through a syringe or pen then an insulin pump is prescribed.
- An insulin pump is a rectangular, computerized device worn on a belt or lower garment. Some models even help in glucose monitoring along with insulin pumps.
- A catheter (flexible tube) attaches from the pump into the patient’s fatty tissues and delivers insulin units for 24 hours (basal).
- Also, before eating, insulin is dosed and then provided to the body in an extra amount to manage post-meal sugar levels (bolus).
- Pump helps in preventing overdosing, it is a flexible way and manages sugar well.
- But sometimes it can lead to low blood sugar episodes (hypoglycemia), increases risk of infection and diabetic ketoacidosis.
4. Jet injection
This method is the least commonly used method.
- When patients are not able to tolerate or are afraid of needles, then jet injections are given.
- These are designed like a gun and can hold multiple insulin dosages.
- To use it, the patient holds it against their skin, presses a button which sends a high pressure insulin spray through the skin.
- This process can cause bruising and in order to avoid infections, they are boiled and sterilized regularly.
This is the past, there were multiple other ways through which insulin was injected but these 4 are the best and currently used methods. In this blog, we are going to discuss the most frequently used method i.e. insulin pen.
Preparing a Pen for Injection
The insulin injection procedure starts by preparing the most important thing of this process and that is the insulin pen. These steps seem to be quite simple but are very crucial in diabetes management.
- Check the insulin: Take the insulin out from the fridge 10 minutes before injecting. Check for proper insulin type and make sure the expiration date has not passed.
2. Gently stir intermediate or premixed insulin between palms: The motion will be similar to when you rub your palms in winters but a lot slower. Avoid shaking as it will lead to bubble formation. Other insulins need not be mixed.
3. Attach a fresh pen needle: Attach a fresh pen needle as per the manufacturer’s instruction.
4. Prime the pen: Point the needle up in the air, dial one or two units on the pen and press the plunger fully with your thumb. Repeat until a drop appears!
5. Dial your dose: Dial your dose on the pen to your prescribed dose.
A lot of you might have questions about “which is the best place to inject insulin” and I can understand why it is a concerning thing, so here is your answer…
Sites For Insulin Shots
It is very important that you take the insulin on the right body part. The ideal places for taking the insulin injection include:
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Upper arms
Within these body sites, various spots can be used for injection. For example, while injecting in the abdomen, its various spots can be above the navel or below it or even towards the left or right.
The abdomen is considered the best site as it is easy, has more fat in comparison to other sites and works fastest when injected there. This makes the process less painful.
Do not inject insulin where wounds or bruises are present or even near it as it might not get into the body correctly.
Steps To Deliver An Injection
- Wash your hands: Use soap and water to wash your hands and then dry them. This helps in preventing any infection.
- Select a site: Choose a spot on your body for injection where you can see and reach easily.
- Make sure the skin is clean: Wipe the area with normal temperature water and a towel to clean it. You can also use alcohol and cotton. Let it dry before injecting.
- Relax and then pinch the skin: Pinch a one-to-two-inch portion of skin and fat between your thumb and first finger.
5. Push the needle into the skin: Hold the syringe or pen in your other hand like a pencil at a 90-degree angle to the skin and insert the needle with one quick motion.
6. Inject the insulin: Press the plunger with your thumb at a moderate steady pace until the insulin is fully injected. Keep the needle in for 10 seconds. You can count to 10.
7. Pull out the needle: Remove at the same 90-degree angle at which you inserted the needle. Press your injection site for 5–10 seconds to keep insulin from leaking out.
8. Remove the needle: Remove the needle from the pen to avoid leakage or air bubbles.
9. Dispose of syringe safely: Dispose used syringes safely to protect others from accidental needle sticks.
Having understood the procedure, let’s look at some other important pointers and helpful tips.
Ensure Rotating Injection Sites
Injecting insulin at the same spot repeatedly can cause swelling, lumps or even thickened skin. So use a variety of body parts and spots to inject insulin.
While rotating at different spots, you can move clockwise or anti-clockwise to avoid injecting in the same site.
For rapid and long-acting insulin (e.g. Humalog, Novolog, Lantus, Tresiba): A variety of body parts and a variety of spots within that body part can be used for injection. For example, these can be used at any spot of the abdomen or upper arms etc.
For intermediate and premixed insulin (e.g. Humulin, Novolin, NPH(N): It is best to use one part of the body consistently but a variety of spots within that body part can be used. For example, if you’ve started injecting these in your thighs then continue injecting at various spots in your thighs only.
To know more about different types of insulins, read our blog, “What is the best medicine for diabetes?”.
When to change the needle?
- When done, recap the needle.
- Do not clean your needle with alcohol as it’ll remove the needle coating which helps it in piercing the skin.
- Always use a new needle after three injections. This is done to avoid infections and also the needle gets blunt which can lead to hardening of the skin.
- Don’t use someone else’s needle! Using someone else’s needle puts you in danger of contracting hepatitis and HIV.
- After three injections, throw the insulin safely into the bins and ensure that nobody comes in contact with it.
Some helpful tips
- Always keep the insulin in the fridge. Confirm it with your pharmacist before buying. In India, there are temperature fluctuations so the temperature in the fridge should be ideal for it.
- While carrying, it should be kept in an insulated pouch or a silicon bag or an icebox.
- Make sure to follow the “steps to deliver an injection” correctly to avoid pain.
- If pain or bleeding or lump formation still persists then immediately consult your doctor.
- For hardening of the skin, you can massage with warm oil or take medicines/ cream as prescribed by your doctor.
Read every guideline twice and carefully so that the insulin injecting process does not come between you and your diabetes management. The insulin injection technique is as important as insulin itself when it comes to treating diabetes.
If you want to work on your blood sugar levels and are looking for personalized diabetes treatment, Zyla can help you with it.
Zyla has a team of 50+ endocrinologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists and psychologists who work on your health in a detailed manner and provide customized care and treatment.
You can download the Zyla app to start your health journey now!
Connect with us:
- Subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/2o19OzE to watch videos on health and health-related conditions.
- Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zylahealth
- Join our facebook community, “Defeating Diabetes” and get daily updates: https://bit.ly/2nloObl
- Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zylahealth/
- Visit our website: https://www.zyla.in/
- Talk to us on WhatsApp — https://goo.gl/kjofPU
