Steps To Give An Injection With An Insulin Pen To Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Injections may seem frightening at first, but in practice, it makes perfect. Whether you’re first learning how to inject with a pen or already have a lot of practice with syringes, there are a few steps to take to master the art of giving an injection with an insulin pen Type 2 Diabetes patients.
The Basics
Ensure you know what type of insulin you are injecting and the amount. Is it a day of long-acting insulin? Or a delayed-acting insulin meal coverage? Since feathers can look and feel similar to each other, double-check to avoid confusion.
It is also important to be sure of the condition of the insulin you are using. To develop good storage practices with insulin pens.
Preparation
Wash your hands and choose a place to inject yourself. It is a good idea to write down where you inject each time in a convenient location for quick reference to avoid a build-up of scar tissue.
If the insulin to administrate is mixed or cloudy, roll the pen between your palms. Hold the pen upright and turn it upside down several times to mix it thoroughly.
Clean your skin with an alcohol pad. Before giving the injection, remove the cap from the insulin pen gently. With some alcohol, clean the rubber seal on the insulin reservoir with a different pad.
Take a needle and remove the plastic cover at the base on the opposite end of the needle. Align the base of the needle with the pen and turn it until it is snug but not too tight. And then try to remove the protective cap from the needle.
Do A Test
Prepare a safety shot by dialling two units of insulin. Hold the pen vertically, as you would, with a syringe with your thumb on the button. And the needle aloft and press the dose button. Check that the insulin droplets coming out of the pen’s tip are visible. If they are not visible when the first safety injection, repeat this step until you see the drops.
Inject Yourself
Calculate your dose and mark the amount on the pen. With one hand, pinch the fat around the injection site so that insulin can enter the body subcutaneously.
Use another hand to hold the pen and steadily insert the needle into your skin. The insertion angle depends on the needle’s length and the amount of fat you can pinch to protect the underlying muscle. Ask your diabetes team which angle is best for your body.
Once the needle is fully inserted, depress the button fully. Depending on the insulin injected before pulling the needle out, count to six or ten.
Clean
Check for bleeding and gently apply an alcohol pad if necessary.
Needles have to use only once at a time, so put the plastic cap back on. And then twist counterclockwise to separate the needle from the pen. See our sharps disposal guide for tips on disposing of used needles.
Replace the pen cap. If you are opening this first time opening a particular pen, try to write the date on a small piece of tape with a Sharpie and wrap it around the pen or pen cap. Be careful not to cover the dosing measurements or the small insulin preview window to track how long you use the pen.
