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Did you know?
Insulin is best absorbed in the subcutaneous layer
Insulin injected into the muscle will not be absorbed properly. It may be painful and could be the cause of low or high blood sugars.
Did you know?
Needles come in many lengths from 4mm to 12.7mm long.
New research of the skin shows that on average the skin is only 1.6-2.4mm thick in all people living with diabetes.1, 5
This means that 4, 5 and 6mm needles are suitable for all people living with diabetes who inject.4
Did you know?
How you inject your insulin matters
If you choose to use longer pen needles or syringes, or if you are extremely lean, you may need to perform a skin lift in order to avoid injecting into the muscle.
Review your injection technique with your doctor or diabetes educator today.
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): 1519-1530.2. 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.
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. Hofman PL, et al. Defining the ideal injection techniques when using 5-mm needles in children and adults. Diab Care. 2010;33(9) 1940-1944.
3. Hofman PL, et al. Defining the ideal injection techniques when using 5-mm needles in children and adults. Diab Care. 2010;33(9) 1940-19444. Berard L, et al. FIT Forum for Injection Technique Canada. Recommendations for Best Practice in Injection Technique. October 2011.5. Lo Presti D, et al. Skin and subcutaneous thickness at injecting sites in children with diabetes: ultrasound findings and recommendations for giving
5. Lo Presti D, et al. Skin and subcutaneous thickness at injecting sites in children with diabetes: ultrasound findings and recommendations for giving injection. Ped Diab 2012;13(7):525-53.
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