How to Inject Insulin

Diabetes affects 320 million people around the world and more than 20 million Americans. A diabetic has to be very particular about his lifestyle and diet. A regular dose of medicine is a compulsory routine and hence, one should be well acquainted with the procedure and ways of taking insulin. Insulin can be injected through an insulin pen or a syringe. However, there are certain precautions to be taken before handling the sensitive apparatus.

Before Injecting

The first step is locating the area where insulin is to be injected. There are many places in the body which can be injected. Certain parts can be more sensitive to insulin as compared to others. For instance, muscular areas are more sensitive to insulin than fatty areas. The tummy or hips may not be as sensitive as buttocks or thighs. One of the reasons why injections should be taken in the above mentioned areas is that, fats absorb insulin much better and faster than the other body parts. Fat parts also have less nerve endings, resulting in less pain.

It is recommended by doctors to avoid getting injected in areas which are frequently exercised. Once a part is injected, there should be a big time lapse before the same part is injected again. But at the same time, care should be taken to maintain the area of injection after a routine or one complete cycle. For example, if you decide to inject your arm once, the next time it would be a different part, like the abdomen. But the same hand can be injected again the next day and so on. Using the same parts of the body will ensure predictability of the effect and define the insulin level in the body. This would make tracking the results or improvements, a lot easier.

Lot of people are wary of injections and opt for alternative treatments like oral medication. But, people with type 1 diabetes have to compulsorily take an insulin injection. The technology for administering an insulin dose via needle, has significantly improved. Although, it is not pain free, the intensity of pain is definitely far less than what used to be in the olden days. Another concern is, whether it is possible or correct to take an injection with clothes on or through a cloth. The answer would be an overwhelming 'no'. There are two simple reasons for that - first, a cloth is not sterile. The needle may get contaminated and cause infection in the body part. Another point, is that a needle tip is lubricated to make the procedure less painful. After passing through a cloth, some of the lubricant may come off, eventually causing a bit more pain.

Steps for Injecting Insulin

These are the steps to be followed for taking an insulin injection. It is always recommended to take the advise of your doctor or a diabetes specialist before injecting yourself with insulin.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with an antiseptic soap.
• Remove the plastic covering off the insulin bottle. Ensure that the liquid is at room temperature to avoid a painful process. If it is cold, roll the bottle between your hands and warm it.
• If you are using an insulin pen, shake it up and down vigorously along with the rolling procedure. This will evenly concentrate the liquid throughout the bottle.
• The top part of the bottle needs to be cleaned with alcohol
• Insert the needle into the bottle through the rubber cap and inject air into the bottle by pushing in the plunger.
• Turn the bottle upside down and check whether the needle is in the insulin. Slowly, draw out the correct amount of insulin by pulling back the plunger.
• If there are any air bubbles present in the syringe, they should be removed by tapping the syringe delicately after turning the bottle and the syringe upside down and raising it, again. Gently push the plunger to again let the bubbles go back in the syringe.
• Wipe the skin thoroughly, with a clean cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Pinch the spot to be injected and insert the needle just under the fatty area of the body, at a 90 degree angle. A 45 degree angle is more suitable for kids or adults with a lean built, so that the insulin is injected in the fatty layer and not the muscle.
• Push the plunger to inject the insulin, release the pinch and leave the needle in for five seconds before removing it. Press at the site of injection gently but avoid rubbing vigorously. After these steps, you can release the skin and remove the needle

A careful and systematic approach is absolutely essential for conducting the above procedure. Two or three injecting sessions are sufficient to confidently administer the insulin, in a proper way. Have a safe, balanced and healthy lifestyle to keep diabetes at bay.