How to apply insulin correctly
Insulin can be applied with a pre-filled syringe or pen, however, the syringe remains the most common and economical method. In both cases, insulin should be injected into the fat layer under the skin, where it will be slowly absorbed, mimicking the production of the substance by the pancreas.
- In addition.
- Insulin can also be introduced into the body through an insulin pump.
- Which is a small portable electronic device that releases insulin for 24 hours.
- Learn more about how the insulin pump works.
There are several sizes of insulin syringes, ranging from 0. 3 to 2 ml capacity, depending on the range of insulin units a person must manufacture.
Usually each ml can be divided into 100 units, but there are insulins that have 500 units in each ml and therefore the calculation of the necessary units should always be explained by the doctor, depending on the type of insulin and blood glucose values. . . Once you know how much to inject, you should:
When it is necessary to mix 2 types of insulin in the same syringe, you have to put the fast-acting insulin in the syringe and only then add the slow-acting insulin, without having to change the needle. Normally, rapid insulin is clear and slow insulin is whitish, similar to milk. The two insulins must be mixed before they are inserted into the syringe; it is recommended to roll the vials between both hands instead of shaking them.
After application, the needle and syringe must be disposed of or stored in a suitable container and then delivered to the pharmacy and recycled. If possible, the needle should be protected by the cap. Syringes and needles should not be placed, used in more than one application, as this may increase the risk of infection or reduce the action of the drug.
The pen is a more comfortable option than the syringe, but it is more expensive and therefore cannot be used in all cases. To properly apply insulin with a pen it is necessary to:
Normally, the application of insulin does not cause pain or cause changes in the skin, however, shortly after the application of insulin, a small drop of blood may come out, without being a problem, and can be cleaned with a compress .
Insulin can be applied to the stomach, thigh, arm and buttocks and is usually taken before eating, such as breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The application in belly and thigh allows to make a fold of skin, but in the arm, the application can be done without wrinkles when performed by the person himself, because the movement is more complicated.
Its application should always be done in different places, each time, to prevent the accumulation of fat and soften the skin of the area, scientifically called lipodystrophy. Learn more about: Complicating insulin misuse.
There are disposable insulin pens, which means that after completing the amount of medicine inside the pen, it should be thrown away and therefore you do not need to be prepared, just turn the pen button to the desired amount of insulin.
However, most pens should be prepared as soon as an insulin cartridge is completed, as they can be used for several years and therefore need to:
Once the pen is mounted, the patient can use it until the end of the product, however, it is advisable to change the needle every day, so as not to damage the skin or cause infections.