General
Many people give themselves insulin every day. The insulin is often given as a shot, using a small needle attached to a syringe, into fatty tissue right under the skin. It is important to change where you give yourself the shots each time. Changing the shot site can help avoid soreness and fat deposits. Changing the site also helps with absorption of the insulin by your body. Try to avoid sites that are close to moles or scars. ‚
Insulin may also be given through: ‚
- An insulin pump ¢ ˆ ’ A small device that carries insulin into a surgically-placed reservoir or needle under the skin. The pump sends a set amount of insulin into your body.
- An insulin pen ¢ ˆ ’ Looks like a pen, but has a small needle under the cap. The pen uses a cartridge that is filled with insulin and a set amount of insulin with each shot. The set amount can be changed.
- A jet injector ¢ ˆ ’ For people who have trouble pushing the syringe into the skin. This device shoots the needle into your skin at the touch of a button.
Talk with your doctor about the best way for you to give yourself insulin. ‚
How many times should I give myself insulin? ‚
- It depends on what you and your doctor decide. There are a number of different kinds of insulin. Some work very fast to decrease blood sugar. Others work more slowly over a longer period of time. Some only work for a short period of time and some work over 12 to 24 hours.
When will my insulin dose change? ‚
Many things may cause your insulin dose to change. Always check with your doctor before changing how much insulin you are using. You may need a different amount if you: ‚
- Are sick, having surgery, or missing a meal. You will still need insulin; it just may be a smaller amount.
- Are pregnant
- Are exercising
- Lose or gain weight
- Change your eating habits
How do I know if I am doing a good job with my diabetes? ‚
- Your blood sugar levels will help you. Keep a diary of your blood sugar levels. Note when insulin was given and how much. Write down what you ate and when you exercised too.
- A blood test can be done by your doctor once every 3 to 6 months. That can also be helpful in letting you know how you are doing.
How to Give an Insulin Shot ‚
- Get your supplies together.
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Gather the insulin, syringe, cotton balls, and alcohol wipe.
- Check the expiration date on the vial of insulin.
- Clean the top of the vial with alcohol and let it dry.
- Prepare the syringe.
- Remove the cover over the needle.
- Pull the plunger back until the tip of the plunger is at the line indicating the number of units of insulin you need.
- Push the needle into the rubber stopper. Then push the plunger so the air goes into the bottle of insulin.
- Turn the bottle with the syringe in it upside down and hold the vial with one hand. Pull back on the plunger with your other hand and slowly pull the insulin into the syringe until it reaches the line for the dose you need.
- Look at the insulin that is in the syringe. If you see any air bubbles, push the insulin back into the syringe. Repeat this until you do not see any air bubbles in the syringe.
- Check the color and clarity of the insulin
- Regular insulin is clear and colorless.
- NPH is cloudy.
- If any clumps or particles are seen, do not use the insulin.
- Recheck to make sure it is the right dose.
- Pull the needle out of the rubber stopper.
- If you are not giving the shot right away, cover the needle before putting it down.
- Give the shot.
- Make sure the skin is clean where you plan to give the shot.
- Relax your muscles where you will be giving the shot.
- Pinch 1 to 2 inches of skin between your fingers and thumb on one hand.
- Holding the syringe like you would a pencil at a 45 ‚ ° angle. Push the needle all the way into the pinched up skin. Release grasp of skin. Slowly press plunger all the way down. Remove needle at 45 ‚ ° angle.
- Throw used needle in a special container.
- Put your insulin away.
- Wash and dry your hands.
Why is this procedure done?
Insulin is a hormone that helps the body change foods into energy. The organ in your body that makes insulin is the pancreas. Sometimes, the pancreas quits making insulin. Other times, it may not be able to make the right amount of insulin to keep up with a higher need for it. ‚
If your pancreas cant keep up, you will need an insulin shot or supplement to replace your body's natural insulin. The dose can be changed based on results of blood sugar tests. You may need to check your sugar before you eat and at bedtime. Some people get insulin shots two, three, or more times each day. Others may wear an insulin pump. The pump will give them small doses of insulin right under the skin or into a vein. ‚
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What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/diabetes/treatment/insulin-therapy.printerview.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/diabetes_center/treatment/injection_graphic.html ‚
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/medicines_ez/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚