Diabetes Care:  How to Properly Inject Insulin

People who suffer from diabetes mellitus often must self-administer insulin on a regular, sometimes even daily basis. While this can be a tedious and painful task, it is also necessary. Knowing how to properly inject oneself with insulin can help diabetics to minimize the pain and tedium associated with the task, while also helping to reduce the risk of infections and other complications resulting from poorly administered insulin shots.

Step 1:  Swab Injection Site with Alcohol Prep - Cleanse the area where you plan to administer the injection (the injection site) with an alcohol prep pad (alcohol swab) or soap and water if no alcohol preps are available. Make sure to swab or wash fingers and hands with a separate swab (if using alcohol preps).

Step 2:  Remove Needle Cover - Grip the syringe as you would a pencil and remove plastic cover. While still holding the syringe, gently pinch a fold of skin where the injection will be administered.

Step 3: Position Needle at a 90° Angle to the Injection Site - Insert the entire length of the needle into the fold of skin.

Step 4: Let go of Skin - Release the pinched skin and push the plunger (at the back of the syringe) all the way down.

Step 5: Count to 5 and Remove Needle - Once all of the insulin has been injected, slowly count to five and pull remove the needle from the skin of the diabetic receiving the injection. Place a fresh alcohol wipe or a cotton ball at the site of the injection and apply firm pressure. Do not rub or massage the injection site.

Step 6: Dispose of Used Equipment in a Covered, Puncture-Proof Container - Make sure the container is visibly marked with the words "Do NOT Recycle" before disposing.

* Important Note: Some states within the U.S. require that all syringes, needles and lancets be properly destroyed in a manner consistent with that state or jurisdiction's laws. Check with your local waste authority or with your local and/or state authorities is you are unsure of your state or community's laws regarding the disposal of insulin, diabetic syringes and other diabetic supplies.

If you have questions regarding insulin injections or the type of insulin being injected, consult your doctor or diabetes educator for clarification.

DO NOT alter the amount or type of insulin you take without first securing approval from your doctor.

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