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Did you know?
- Injectable therapy is an option to treat diabetes and can help you achieve better blood glucose control.
- Over the years needle technology has improved. Some pen needles are shorter, finer and have extra thin wall technology. These improvements all make injecting more comfortable than you might think.
- Injection technique also matters. When done properly, injections can be virtually pain free.
- If you are new to injecting, ask your educator to demonstrate proper technique using a pen and a shorter, finer pen needle.
Top tips for comfort4
- Keep injectable therapy in use at
room temperature. - Use a new needle each time.
- Use shorter needles and smaller diameter.
- Inspect and palpate the skin prior to each injection to ensure injection site is healthy.
- Inject solution slowly and evenly.
- Avoid using alcohol to swab skin, but if used, inject only after it has dried completely.
- Avoid injecting into hair roots, scars and moles.
- Avoid injecting through clothing.
- If the volume of your injection is uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about how to divide into 2 injections.
Did you know?
- Shorter needles means a reduction in anticipation of pain and in actual injection pain.1
- Bleeding is more likely to be associated with injection pain; smaller diameter needles cause less bleeding, therefore less pain.1
Recommended reading
Injection technique resource: http://www.bd.com/ca/diabetes/english /page.aspx?cat=14501
1. Aronson R. The Role of Comfort and Discomfort in Insulin Therapy. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. April 2012;14(8):1-7.
2. Hirsch LJ, et al. Comparative glycemic control, safety and patient ratings for a new 4mm x 32G insulin pen needle in adults with diabetes. Curr Med Res Opin 2010;6:1531-41.
3. Hirsch LJ, et al. Impact of a Modified Needle Tip Geometry on Penetration Force as well as Acceptability, Preference, and Perceived Pain in Subjects with Diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2012;6(2):328-335.
4. 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
05-2013
