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Did you know?
Where you inject matters.
- Insulin should be injected into the subcutaneous, or “fatty layer” of your skin where absorption is predictable and consistent.
- Insulin should be injected into the subcutaneous, or “fatty layer” of your skin where absorption is predictable and consistent.
Did you know?
How you inject matters
- 4, 5 and 6mm needles are suitable for all people with diabetes, however, the risk of an injection into the muscle increases as the needle gets longer. If you are extremely lean, you may need to inject into a skin lift or inject at a 45° angle (6mm only).
- Avoid injecting into damaged skin, scars or moles as absorption may not be consistent at those sites.
- A structured site rotation plan can reduce your risk of developing lipohypertrophy at your injection sites. Rotate between your injection sites (ie. rotate between your abdomen, thighs and buttocks) and rotate within your injection sites (ie. your next injection within a site should be 2-3cm from your last).
- Hold your injection under the skin for 10 seconds. Proper hold time will ensure that you receive your complete dose of insulin and reduce the risk of insulin dripping from the pen or leaking from your skin.
Did you know?
How you prepare your insulin affects how it works
If you are using a cloudy insulin (NPH or mixed insulin), you need to ensure that it is properly mixed before each injection.It’s easy. Roll it between your hands 10 times, tip it 10 times and visually check to ensure that it has a consistent, milky appearance.
Did you know?
Some factors can speed up the absorption of your insulin and affect your blood glucose control.
1. Gibney MA, et al. Skin and subcutaneous adipose layer thickness in adults with diabetes at sites used for insulin injections: implications for needle length recommendations. Curr Med Res Opin 2010;26(6):1519-30. 2. Chowdhury TA, Escudier V. Poor glycaemic control caused by insulin induced lipohypertrophy. Brit Med J 2003;327:383-4.
3 Berard L, et al. FIT Forum for Injection Technique Canada. Recommendations for Best Practice in Injection Technique. October 2011.
Supported by BD Medical – Diabetes Care
09-2013
