Insulin pens are a convenient and easy-to-use way for diabetics to inject the drug. With their simple design and practical benefits, they often replace the old vial and syringe injection method. It is important to use it correctly to ensure that you are giving the correct dose of insulin and to avoid fluctuations in blood glucose. To ensure effective and safe use of the pen, choose the injection site, prepare it and use it correctly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Injection Site
Step 1. Learn which area is correct for the insulin injection
The abdomen is the most frequently used area. You can also use the lower and lateral sides of the thighs, the back of the arms, the buttocks, or, if a third person does the puncture, the lower back. You will need to vary the injection point often, so familiarize yourself with the different options
Step 2. Change the injection site
Puncture the same area over and over can cause swelling or fatty buildup, which can interfere with the absorption of the drug. You can avoid this by varying the point at which you practice it. Choose an appropriate body region and use it for a week or two, but move the injection site at least 5 centimeters from time to time.
- It can help to make a chart of the areas you inject into so you can keep them in mind. For example, you can note that this week you performed them in various areas of the right thigh, so next week you will move to the left or abdomen.
- Changing them clockwise or counterclockwise can also help you remember them.
Step 3. Avoid problem areas
Do not give injections in areas where there are bruises, swellings, open wounds or that are painful. Perform them 7 to 10 centimeters from the navel and at least 5 centimeters from any scars.
Also, avoid injecting insulin into muscles that you need to use soon, because movement speeds up the absorption process. For example, don't inject it into your arm before playing tennis
Part 2 of 3: Properly Preparing for Your Injection
Step 1. Get clear instructions from your doctor
If you are going to use the insulin pen for the first time, ask the doctor any questions that come to mind and make sure you get all the correct instructions. You need to know the insulin dose and the right places to inject, at what time to do it and how often to check your blood sugar.
Ask questions about anything you don't understand or need clarification, such as "Do I need to check my blood sugar before or after I eat?", Or "Can you show me again which area of my tummy to inject?"
Step 2. Disinfect the injection site
To do this, rub it with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Let the disinfectant air dry.
Wash your hands thoroughly before using the insulin pen
Step 3. Remove the pen lid or cap
Intermediate-acting insulin generally appears to have a milky consistency. In this case, rotate the pen between your hands to mix the medication, until it appears uniform (usually after about 15 seconds).
Step 4. Remove the paper tab from the plastic container that holds the pen needle
The needles are available in different sizes and should be chosen according to the structure of your body. Your doctor will tell you which one to take. Make sure you ask them to buy the correct one.
Step 5. Sterilize the pen
Clean the area where the needle is inserted with an alcohol wipe.
Step 6. Prepare the needle
Screw it firmly onto the insulin pen by turning it clockwise. Take off the outer cap without throwing it away, while the inner one can be removed and disposed of. Be careful not to bend or damage the needle before using it.
Step 7. Prepare the pen by removing any air bubbles
Turn the dosage knob and select a dose of 2 units. Push the plunger fully with the needle pointing up, a drop of insulin should appear at the tip of the plunger. If it doesn't, repeat the procedure.
- Make sure the dose is set to 0 again when you've done this.
- If you try several times and still no insulin comes out of the needle tip, check that there are no other bubbles in the pen. Try changing needle and try again.
Step 8. Turn the dosage knob until you reach the appropriate units
There is no "right" dose that applies to everyone. To determine this, you need to discuss with your doctor what type of diabetes you have and test your blood sugar level. You may need to use different amounts of insulin based on the time of day, so make sure you always set up your pen correctly.
Always double check the dose window to make sure you are injecting the right one
Part 3 of 3: Injecting
Step 1. If you are agitated, calm down
Even if you've done this 100 times, having to use a needle may still make you nervous. Relax by listening to good music, doing deep breathing exercises, meditating, lighting aromatic candles or thinking of positive affirmations like "I am responsible for my health and I take great care of myself!".
Step 2. Prepare to inject
Squeeze the pen between the fingers of your dominant hand, keep your thumb slightly raised above the plunger and the needle pointing down. With the other hand, pinch and gently lift upward 3-4 centimeters of skin in the area where you need to puncture.
Do not squeeze the skin too hard, it may interfere with the injection
Step 3. Inject the insulin
Insert the needle into the raised skin at a 90 ° angle. Make a movement that is not too strong, but fast, so that it enters completely. Release the pinched skin while the needle is still in. Push the plunger all the way down until the dosage arrow lines up with 0. Stay in this position for 10 seconds.
- Press and hold the button until you remove the needle.
- Quickly pull the needle out of the skin.
- Do not massage the injection site. If a little blood has leaked or the area is sore, gently pat it dry with a cloth.
Step 4. Discard the used needle
Cover it with the hood you kept aside earlier and unscrew it. Throw it away in a sharps disposal container.
If you don't have such a container, use an alternate one that is stiff, such as an empty bottle of aspirin or laundry detergent
Step 5. Store the pen properly
Store it at room temperature. Until you open it for the first time, you can keep it in the refrigerator. Make sure it is in a place out of the reach of children or pets. It would be better to keep it in one place, so that you always know where to find it.
Do not expose the insulin to very high or cold temperatures, or to direct sunlight. If the pen has been exposed to these conditions, throw it away
Step 6. Throw away the expired pen
The expiration date varies depending on the type of insulin. Check it on the packaging and buy a new one if it has been stored longer than the expected period.
- The storage period depends on the manufacturer. A pen can last from 7 to 28 days if it has been stored properly at room temperature. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more specific information about the one you bought. Always follow the instructions on the package.
- The expiry date printed on the box refers to the product stored in the fridge. Once opened and kept at room temperature, it must be disposed of after 28 days.
Advice
The instructions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. To learn how to use a specific pen, take a short, free diabetes care course at your local doctor's office or hospital
Warnings
- Never use the same needle twice. Always use a new one to avoid contamination or risk of infection.
- Never share the insulin pen or needle with someone else. This practice causes the spread of diseases.
- Always inspect your insulin before injecting it. If you notice changes in color, transparency or see any lumps, particles or crystals, do not use it.
