How to Give Insulin Injections

Learning to give insulin shots can seem tough at first, but with practice, it becomes easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you!

USING INSULIN PENS

Insulin pens are easy and convenient. Here’s how to use them:

1. Prepare the Pen: Remove the paper tab from the needle and screw it onto the pen.
2. Prime the Pen: Dial in 2 to 3 units of insulin and push the plunger to make sure insulin comes out of the needle.
3. Dial Your Dose: Set the pen to the number of units you need.
4. Clean the Injection Site: Clean the skin where you will give the shot.
5. Inject the Insulin: Insert the needle under the skin and inject the insulin slowly. Count to 3 before removing the needle to prevent insulin from leaking out.
6. Rub the Site: Gently rub the site to close the needle track.
7. Replace the Needle: Put the cover back on the needle. Some people change the needle with each use, while others change it once a day.

USING INSULIN VIALS

A. Gather Your Supplies:

• A bottle of each insulin you need
• A syringe
• An alcohol wipe to clean the bottle tops
• Your logbook with current blood sugar results and insulin dose

B. Drawing Insulin into the Syringe:

1. Know Your Dose: Know how much of each insulin to give. This might be based on your blood sugar levels or how many carbs you eat.
2. Clean the Bottles: Wipe the tops of the insulin bottles with an alcohol swab.
3. Inject Air into Insulin Bottles:
   • Inject air into the intermediate-acting (cloudy) insulin bottle first and then remove the needle.
   • Inject air into the clear (rapid-acting) insulin bottle and leave the needle in.
4. Draw Up the Rapid-acting Insulin: Turn the bottle upside down and draw the insulin into the syringe. Remove any air bubbles.
5. Mix and Draw Up Intermediate-acting Insulin: Gently mix the cloudy insulin by turning the bottle up and down 20 times. Draw it into the syringe, making sure not to push any of the rapid-acting insulin back into the bottle.

C. Giving the insulin injection

1. Choose the Injection Site: Pick a spot on your body where you will give the shot. Use different spots each time to avoid soreness.
2. Clean the Area: Make sure the skin is clean.
3. Relax the Area: Relax the area where you will inject the insulin.
4. Pinch the Skin: Pinch the skin with your fingers.
5. Insert the Needle:
   • For a short needle, use a 90° angle.
   • For a longer needle, use a 45° angle.
6. Inject the Insulin: Push the insulin in slowly and steadily. Wait three seconds to let the insulin spread.
7. Remove the Needle: Release the skin and pull out the needle. Put a finger or a dry cotton ball over the injection site and gently rub to close the hole.

INSULIN SHOTS FOR DIFFERENT AGES

• Toddlers: Distract them with TV, blowing bubbles, or a book. The buttocks are often the best spot. Shots can be given while they sleep.
• School-age Kids: Let them help choose the injection site. Rotate between areas like the abdomen and bottom.
• Teens: Many teens give their own shots. It’s important for parents to watch to ensure they’re done correctly. Help by getting supplies and keeping records.

Giving insulin shots is an important skill for managing diabetes. Giving the right insulin at the right time is the best way to keep blood sugar levels in your target range. With practice, it will get easier to give each injection as you get more comfortable with the process!