Do you need to take insulin injections for diabetes, or know someone who does? It can be uncomfortable to administer the injections yourself, especially if you’re not sure exactly how to do it.
In this post, we’re going to go over some top tips to help you with insulin injections so that you can get it right and avoid common mistakes. Ready?
Why You Need Insulin Injections
If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t have natural insulin in your body, or it doesn’t work as well as it should. This means that the ordinary task of the insulin in your body – to control the level of glucose in your blood – isn’t carried out as it should be.
An injection of insulin is able to supply your body with the insulin it needs. It is important for you body to have a regular supply of insulin to cope with the changing levels of glucose in the blood, which is why you may need to have an injection several times each day.
When to Inject Insulin
Exactly when you should inject insulin depends on the type of insulin that you are using. Your doctor will usually give you directions when they prescribe the medication, and you can also check with your pharmacist to make sure you are doing it at the right time.
Usually the injections are given around meal times, when the glucose levels in your blood are expected to rise. Depending on how quickly the insulin starts having an effect, you may have the injection just before eating, or about 30 minutes before eating.
Where to Inject Insulin
The insulin should be injected into fatty tissue, called subcutaneous tissue, which sits between the skin and the muscle. Any area with a good layer of fat, without the presence of many blood vessels or nerves can work well. For example, fatty tissue to inject insulin can be found in the:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Thighs
Most people with diabetes tend to do the injections in the abdomen, as this is easy to access and works well. It’s a good idea to stick to one general area, but make sure that you inject a different place each time to avoid damage to a small area of tissue.
It is best not to give insulin injections in areas of the body with more blood vessels or nerves that may become damaged by the needle, such as in the arms, navel, groin and near joints.
How to Inject Insulin
The way to administer an insulin injection depends on the type of insulin you have been prescribed and the device that you are using. Your doctor should go through how to use the device with you but, if you are still unsure, feel free to ask your pharmacist.
How to Use an Insulin Syringe
Here is what to do if you are using an insulin syringe:
- Pinch a large area of skin on your abdomen with your thumb and fingers in non-dominant hand.
- Hold the syringe with your dominant hand between your thumb and middle.
- Relax and push the needle straight into the skin at right angles, until the point is in the subcutaneous tissue, but has not yet reached muscle layer.
- Push the plunger of the syringe with your index finger.
- Take the needle out of the skin and press down firmly over the skin.
You will need to draw up the insulin into the syringe each time that you use it, washing your hands beforehand. Rather than shaking the insulin bottle, roll it in your hands to mix it. Then draw up the dose of insulin into the syringe, making sure to expel any air bubbles before using it.
How to Use an Insulin Delivery Pen
Here is what to do if you are using an insulin delivery pen:
- Screw a new needle onto the cap of the delivery pen tightly.
- Press the button of the pen to release a small quantity of insulin to get rid of any air bubbles.
- Turn the dial on the pen to the correct number of insulin units that you have been prescribed.
- Insert the needle at right angles to the skin of the abdomen.
- Push the button down completely to inject the insulin and hold the needle in place for 6 seconds before taking it out of your skin.
You will need to change the needle of the insulin delivery pen every time that you use it. It is important that you have a safe place to discard the needles so that they do not harm you or your family.
Take Home Tips
Here are a few final tips to help you with diabetes insulin injections:
- Remember to take your insulin injection every day, even if you feel sick. Your body can’t make enough insulin on its own and relies on the dose of the injection.
- Make sure that you dispose of insulin syringes and pen needles correctly so that they do not cause harm to yourself or other people.
- Check your insulin technique is correct by asking your doctor or pharmacist to watch you administer it and they can give you tips.
- Make sure that you administer the right dose of insulin. If you have poor eyesight, you may want to ask someone to double check the dose.
Want to know more?
If you’d like to know more about diabetes insulin injections or have questions about the best way to administer them, we’ll be happy to help you at Inverell Pharmacy. Simply stop by for a chat with one of our pharmacists for more information at 132 Byron Street (next to Telstra), or give us a call on 026722 3146.
Inverell Pharmacy – your locally owned and operated pharmacy with 5 Pharmacists to Assist and Advise you to Better Health.