Are you on insulin for treating diabetes? Do you know how to use your insulin injection pen? Most diabetics require insulin solely or in combination with drugs to achieve optimal blood sugar control. There are precautions you must adhere to while on insulin- like checking your blood glucose before insulin administration. Are you worried about the side effects of insulin?

For instance, you can easily manage insulin adverse effect at insulin injection site by changing the injection sites regularly- this prevents uneven sub-cutaneous fat distribution. In this post, you would learn how to use insulin injection pen from the point of obtaining one to self-administering insulin and home remedies to handle insulin side effects.

WHO TAKES INSULIN INJECTIONS? Insulin is used for mainly for individuals with type 1diabetes mellitus in which the body does not secrete insulin optimally to lower the blood sugar. People with type 2 diabetes in which the body does not respond properly, may require insulin when there are challenges normalizing the blood sugar with diet, exercise and drugs.

TYPES OF INSULIN

Classification is based on the onset and duration of action.

• Short acting insulin: This type of insulin act rapidly in reducing the blood sugar level but duration of action is short.
• Intermediate acting insulin: Onset and duration of action is longer than the short acting ones.
• Long acting insulin: Onset of action is the slowest and duration of action can last for 20-24 hours.

WHAT IS AN INSULIN INJECTION PEN?

An insulin injection pen is used to inject insulin into the body. It can be divided into 2 types:

• Disposable Pen: The pen is discarded after exhausting the prefilled cartridge.
• Reusable pen: The insulin pen is reused because the insulin cartridge is replaceable after exhausting it.

HOW DO YOU USE AN INSULIN INJECTION PEN?

Although it is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guide when using an insulin pen, here are some general instructions to guide you:

• Bring out the insulin pen from the refrigerator 30 minutes before usage.
• Check the label for the expiry date and to confirm that the insulin type and strength is as recommended by your doctor.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Remove the insulin cap and check if the insulin appears cloudy. If it does, roll the pen gently in between your palms.
• Clean the top of the insulin pen with an alcohol wipe.
• Insert a new needle tightly to the pen.
• Turn the dial to the recommended dose.
• Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe.
• Expel air from the insulin pen by tapping the tip gently with your finger.
• Confirm the required dose before pressing the injection button.
• After injection, press the injection site for a few seconds, then remove and dispose the needle.

NB- You can follow the steps above if you are using an insulin syringe. The difference here is that you have to withdraw insulin from a vial and apply the insulin to the injection site by pressing the plunger of the syringe.