If you have type 1 diabetes or are an insulin-dependent type 2 patient, you’ll know how tricky it can be to get your daily injections right. From injection site selection and rotation to avoiding accidentally injecting into a muscle, there’s a lot to remember – and then of course, there’s the general ouch factor.
Getting your insulin injections right
Here at GlucoRx, we’re proud to support the Injection Technique Matters guidelines, because we know that getting injection technique right makes a big difference to overall blood sugar control.
To that end, we’re proud to promote our extensive range of insulin pen needles:
- A complete size range of FinePoint and CarePoint pen needles
- Universal fit on all insulin delivery pens
- FinePoint needles use quintapoint (5 bevel needle tip) technology (except 10mm + 12mm sizes) for a higher level of comfortable injection.
Safe use of insulin pen needles
Our universal fit FinePoint and CarePoint pen needles are incredibly easy to use. First of all, check with your healthcare practitioner to be sure you’re using the most suitable pen needle length.
Once you have the correct pen needle size, follow these simple steps:
1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Remove your insulin pen cap. For cloudy insulin, roll between the palms of your hands 10 times and gently invert the pen 10 times.
3. Select a new FinePoint or CarePoint needle and attach it to the pen; remove the protective cap.
4. Test that the pen is working by selecting 2 units. Hold the pen upright and press the button to release the dose; watch to see that insulin appears at the needlepoint. If it does not, repeat the process until it does.
5. Dial the required dose on the pen.
6. Select an injection site. The most commonly used sites are the abdomen, outer thighs, upper arms or buttocks, but check with your healthcare practitioner who can advise on the best sites for you to use. Remember to rotate your injection sites.
7. Pinch your skin into a fold and fully insert the needle at 90 degrees to your skin.
8. Press the button to release the dose, holding the pen still.
9. Don’t forget to count to 10 before removing the needle, to ensure the full dose is delivered!
10. Remove the pen and take off the needle, safely disposing of it in a sharps bin.
Can I reuse insulin pen needles?
No, you should never reuse insulin pen needles. If you do, you risk the needle bending or breaking – and besides, a blunt needle makes for a more painful injection.
Why do my insulin injections hurt, bruise or bleed?
Bruising or bleeding at the injection site, although unpleasant, is not dangerous. Remember to rotate your injection sites and if you experience pain, bruising or bleeding often, review your injection technique with your healthcare practitioner.
What is lipohypertrophy?
Lipohypertrophy is a thickened area of fatty tissue which can develop at an injection site. It is important not to continue to inject into a “lipo” as the insulin absorption will be erratic, potentially leading to hypos and other complications. Ask your healthcare provider to teach you how to check for any developing “lipo” patches; these can usually be avoided through good injection technique.
If you’ve been injecting for a while, you probably don’t give much thought to your injection technique – but a combination of our Insulin pen needle offering and proper technique will help to minimise complications and maximise your wellbeing. Injection technique really does matter!