Saturday, March 16, 2024

How To Give Insulin Injection With Pen

Must read

Who Should Not Take Tresiba

Insulin Pen Injection – a How-to Guide

Do not take Tresiba®if you:

  • are having an episode of low blood sugar
  • have an allergy to Tresiba® or any of the ingredients in Tresiba®

Before taking Tresiba®, tell your health care provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are:

  • pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
  • taking new prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements

Talk to your health care provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it.

Needles For Insulin Injection

Standard injection needles come attached to a disposable syringe. Pen needles are separate disposable needles that are screwed onto a pen device. These needles are usually very fine. The thickness of a needle is called its gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the needle the larger the gauge number, the thinner the needle. For example, a 31-gauge needle is thinner than a 28-gauge needle.

Needles come in the following lengths:

  • The longest length is 1/2 inch .
  • A short needle is 5/16 of an inch .
  • A mini needle is 3/16 of an inch .
  • The smallest needle is a nano needle .

Extremely thin people may need to angle the needle more in order to avoid injecting into the muscle, which can be very painful.Never shake a vial or insulin pen. Never inject into a vein, as this is very dangerous. Sometimes the needle will strike a capillary in the fat layer. A small blood drop may be seen on the skin just after the injection or bruising may appear later. This is common and nothing to worry about. This does not mean that the medicine went directly into the vein.It may, however, indicate a problem with the injection technique or the need for a shorter needle length.

How To Measure A Mixed Dose Of Insulin

Your doctor may prescribe two types of insulin to be injected at once for diabetes. This mixed dose may provide better blood sugar control for some people.

Please follow these steps when injecting a mixed dose of insulin:

Important:This must be an exact measurement. If you withdraw too much cloudy insulin, the total dosage in the syringe must be discarded. Be careful not to push any of the clear insulin from the syringe into the cloudy insulin. If there are large air bubbles after mixing the insulin in the syringe, discard this dosage and start the procedure again. Do not push the insulin back into the bottle.

  • Carefully replace the cap on the needle.
  • You are now ready to inject the insulin. Follow the steps listed below.

You May Like: One Drop Chrome Blood Glucose Monitoring Kit

Rotate Insulin Injection Sites

Because you will be injecting insulin on a regular basis for diabetes, you need to know where to inject it and how to rotate your injection sites. By rotating your injection sites, you will make your injections easier, safer, and more comfortable. If the same injection site is used over and over again, you may develop hardened areas under the skin that keep the insulin from being used properly.

Important: Only use the sites on the front of your body for self-injection. Any of the sites may be used if someone else is giving you the injection.

Follow these guidelines:

  • Ask your doctor, nurse, or health educator which sites you should use.
  • Move the site of each injection. Inject at least 1 1/2 inches away from the last injection site.
  • Try to use the same general injection area at the same time of each day . Note: The abdomen absorbs insulin the fastest, followed by the arms, thighs, and buttocks.
  • Keep a record of which injection sites you have used.

How To Give Insulin In The Thigh With An Insulin Pen Or Syringe

Insulin Pen Illustration by Wendy Beth Jackelow, MFA, CMI, FAMI ...

Injecting insulin into the thigh is easy, and the same method can be used whether you are using a syringe or an insulin pen.

  • If you want to, wipe the area of skin where you wish to inject the insulin into with an alcohol swab beforehand, and allow it to dry thoroughly.
  • Sit down on a chair or the floor and relax your legs. Pinch up an area of skin on the outer thigh with the hand that isnt holding the needle.
  • Insert the needle from the syringe all the way into the skin at a 90-degree angle . If you are thin, you may find it better to insert the needle at a 45-degree angle. If you are using an insulin pen, take the cap off the pen and hold the base of the pen firmly against the skin.
  • Slowly push the plunger of the syringe all the way in, and then leave the needle in the skin for 10 seconds. If you are using a pen, while holding the base against the skin, push down on the injection button. You will hear a loud click. This will insert the needle and start the injection. Keep holding the pen against your skin until you hear a second click in about 5 to 10 seconds.
  • Remove the syringe or pen. Throw the used syringe away in an approved sharps container and recap the pen for later use.
  • Press on the area where you injected for a few seconds. Do not rub.
  • Don’t Miss: What Brand Of Glucose Meter Is Covered By Medicaid 2022

    What Size Are Allergy Syringes

    Allergy syringes are typically 1cc, but they can vary in size. The size of the syringe will depend on the severity of the allergy and the size of the persons body.

    It is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. insulin can be administered through a needle, a pen, a pump, or an inhaler. Individualsinsulin needs can be influenced by their lifestyles, sugar levels, and diet. The insulin syringe can be used to deliver it in a variety of sizes. The thickness of a needle, in other words, is measured. Needles that are thinner may be easier to use, whereas thicker ones may be used to inject insulin more quickly. They are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 4 mm to 12 mm in diameter.

    The use of a long needle can result in an unintentional painful intramuscular injection. If you use a thicker needle than necessary, your injections will most likely be painful. The barrel size is usually determined by the size of the dose required. It is best to use a size that allows you to administer your dose in one shot. If people are concerned about the size or technique of the needle, they should consult with their diabetes care team.

    Tuberculosis skin test is the most widely used test for diagnosing the disease. An allergen extract is injected intra-dermally from a 0.5- or 1.0-mL tuberculin syringe through a 26- or 27-gauge needle. All bubbles must be removed prior to injection to prevent any splash reactions that may occur. It is acceptable to use a tuberculosis needle.

    Common Insulin Injection Sites

    When learning how to take insulin, you will be taught which areas of the body are appropriate sites to give an insulin injection, and the importance of rotating these sites. You should be able to pinch a fold of skin at the insulin injection site, and take care that you are not injecting insulin into the muscle.

    Depending on the type of insulin you use, the area of your body that you inject insulin may affect how quickly its absorbed. The American Diabetes Association states that insulin is most quickly absorbed when injected in the abdomen, followed by the upper arms, and more slowly when injected into the legs or buttocks/lower back area.

    Below is an insulin injection site diagram and list of common sites:

    You May Like: How Does Diabetes Affect The Brain

    What Are The Different Options For Taking Insulin

    There are three main ways of taking insulin:

    • Traditional vial and syringe

    • Insulin pen and pen needle. The pen is pre-filled with the medication, and a pen needle screws on to the top to give the shot.

    • Insulin pump, which delivers rapid-acting insulin continuously through an infusion set attached to the body.

    In addition to different , there are different types of insulin, including:

    • Long-acting insulin, also called basal insulin.

    • Rapid-acting insulin for mealtimes, also called bolus insulin.

    The traditional way to take insulin is by through multiple daily injections , with one injection of basal insulin daily and then rapid-acting insulin for mealtimes. This can require a person to take subcutaneous injections at least four times daily in order to keep their blood sugar managed.

    This graphic shows the level of insulin over the course of a day in a person with type 1 diabetes who takes four daily injections of insulin, as compared with insulin in a person without diabetes, represented by the dotted red line. The gray line represents basal insulin, or glargine, which is injected once a day. The blue-shaded humps around mealtimes represent a shot of rapid-acting insulin for each meal.Insulin vial and syringe.Insulin pump.

    About Insulin Pen Needles

    How to Use an Insulin Pen – Mayo Clinic Patient Education

    Use a new insulin pen needle each time you give yourself an injection. Insulin pen needles have 4 main parts .

    • A protective tab. This helps keep the needle clean. Youll need to remove this before attaching the needle to the insulin pen.
    • An outer needle cap. This covers the needle before and after its used.
    • An inner needle cap. This helps keep the needle clean before its used.
    • A needle. This is how the injection is given into the skin.

    Figure 2. Parts of an insulin pen needle

    You May Like: Type 1 Vs Type 2 Diabetes Diet

    How Do I Inject The Insulin With A Syringe

    • Wash your hands with soap and water. This will help prevent an infection. Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel.
    • Clean the skin where you will inject the insulin. You can use an alcohol pad or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
    • Grab a fold of your skin. Gently pinch the skin and fat between your thumb and first finger.
    • Insert the needle straight into your skin. Do not hold the syringe at an angle. Make sure the needle is all the way into the skin. Let go of the pinched tissue.
    • Push down on the plunger to inject the insulin. Press on the plunger until the insulin is gone. Keep the needle in place for 5 seconds after you inject the insulin.
    • Pull out the needle. Press on your injection site for 5 to 10 seconds. Do not rub. This will keep insulin from leaking out.
    • Throw away your used insulin syringe as directed. Do not recap the syringe before you throw it away.

    What Are The Types Of Insulin Pens

    • Most insulin pens are disposable. A disposable pen contains a prefilled amount of insulin. When this type of pen is empty, it is thrown away.
    • A few insulin pens are reusable. A reusable pen contains an insulin cartridge that can be replaced. When the cartridge is empty, it is thrown away. Then a new, prefilled cartridge is put in. Always use a new needle every time you inject insulin.

    Recommended Reading: Can You Take Too Much Insulin

    How To Reduce Any Anxiety About Injections

    Many people worry or feel anxious about starting insulin injections. You might be scared of needles, feel squeamish about injecting, worried about pain, or some people feel nervous or embarrassed about injecting in public. If you feel this way, youre not alone. These feelings are natural but can be more serious if they start to impact on how you manage your diabetes, like skipping doses.

    There are lots of things you can try that could help, like finding a quiet place at work to do injections.

    • Look into injection aids, like the TickleFLEX,which help to make injecting more comfortable and worry free. You just slide them over the needle and use the insulin pen in the normal way.
    • Ease any discomfort by numbing the area with ice first, pinching the area where youll be injecting, and rotating injection sites.
    • Use a distraction like counting, singing, or watch a video while injecting.
    • Remember its OK to have fears and talk about them openly.

    If youre worried about the needle itself, talk to your healthcare professional. They can advise on the right needle length for you and help you get used to doing injections.

    Injecting really cold insulin is more uncomfortable, so check out our guide to storing your insulin so you know how to keep it cool but not too cold.

    Learning as much as you can about the benefits of insulin might also help you manage your feelings about the injections.

    The Different Types Of Allergy Injections

    Injecting Insulin

    An allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can be fatal if not treated promptly. EpiPens are used to treat anaphylaxis. Contagious allergies can be treated with a variety of injections, including corticosteroids, a type of steroid hormone nasal sprays, topical creams, pills, and long-lasting injections. When it comes to treating seasonal allergies, corticosteroid injections are one of the few options. Sublingual immunotherapy , also known as allergy shots, is the most common and effective form of allergy immunotherapy. The most effective way to treat chronic allergies is with an allergy shot. Although it may take some time, many people report that regular shots can help them when other options have failed.

    Recommended Reading: How To Treat Diabetes Without Insulin

    Remove Paper Tab And Needle Covers

    Step 2: Get the needle ready.A. Pull paper tab off pen needle.*B. Screw needle onto insulin end of pen.C. Remove outer needle cover.D. Remove inner needle cover to expose the needle. Throw inner needle cover in trash.

    *Pen needles are available in many sizes. Ask your diabetes educator or pharmacist for advice.

    Is There A Needle For Allergies

    Regular allergy shots are injections administered over time, usually three to five years, to prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Immunotherapy is the treatment of allergies that involves injections of antibodies into the skin. Each allergy shot contains a trace amount of the substance or substance that triggered your allergic reaction.

    The body produces epinephrine, which is used to treat allergic reactions. When a person suffers from an allergic reaction, the body produces histamine. The bodys response is to release fluids, including fluids from the eyes, nose, and mouth as a result of histamine. It is an anti-inflammatory that works by stopping the body from releasing the fluids that cause allergic reactions. An EpiPen is a device that can be used to treat an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis in people who require it. Breathing difficulties, a rash, and airway swelling are all possible side effects of this reaction. It is critical to have an EpiPen on hand in case of an emergency so that you are not exposed to severe allergic reactions. An EpiPen is an auto-injector used to treat anaphylactic shock.

    Also Check: Eating Too Much Sugar Diabetes

    Do Allergy Injections Really Work

    Allergic rhinitis shots are frequently the most effective method of treating chronic allergic reactions. Although it may take some time, most people find that regular shots can help them when other treatments have failed. According to research, 85% of people who suffer from hay fever see a reduction in their symptoms after receiving a hay fever shot.

    When To Throw Away Your Insulin Pens

    How to Inject Insulin with a Pen and Pen Needle

    Youll use the same insulin pen over and over for a certain number of days. The number of days depends on the type of insulin pen youre using. The table below lists some common types of insulin pens and the number of days you can use each one. You can also read the instructions that come with your insulin pens.

    Insulin Type

    Whenever you start using a new insulin pen:

  • Count ahead the number of days you can use the insulin pen. Start from the day you first put a pen needle on that new pen.
  • Write that date on a piece of paper tape and put the tape on the pen. This will help you always easily see when you need to throw away the insulin pen and start using a new one. If you dont have paper tape, write the date on a piece of paper and tape the paper to the pen.
  • Once you get to the date written on the tape or paper, throw away the insulin pen, even if theres still insulin left. Start using a new insulin pen.
  • For example, if you start using a Lantus SoloStar insulin pen on January 1st, count ahead 28 days to January 28th. Write January 28 on a piece of paper tape and put the paper tape on the pen. Throw away the pen on January 28th, even if theres still insulin in it.

    You can keep unused insulin pens in the refrigerator until the expiration date listed on the pen label. Once an insulin pen reaches the expiration date listed on the pen label, throw it away.

    You May Like: When Should Insulin Be Given

    How To Give Allergy Shots To Yourself

    If you are prescribed allergy shots, you will need to receive them regularly in order to experience the desired effect. Many people are able to give themselves allergy shots, but it is important to consult with your doctor or allergist to ensure that self-injection is the right method for you. Once you have been cleared to give yourself shots, you will need to purchase a needle and syringe from a pharmacy. It is also important to make sure that you clean the injection site with alcohol before injecting the allergy medication.

    The shots reduce allergy sensitivity and usually cause lasting relief of allergy symptoms. Although allergy shots are not recommended for children under the age of five, they can be given to both adults and children. The best option is to avoid the food, and allergy shots are not intended to treat allergy symptoms. Many allergies have been relieved of their symptoms by allergy shots. A typical maintenance treatment period lasts three to five years. Some people can go without allergy shots for weeks or months at a time, while others may relapse after discontinuing the shots. There could also be a number of factors contributing to missed allergens or elevated levels of allergen in the environment that cause allergy shots to fail.

    More articles

    Popular Articles