Insulin injections play a major role in diabetes management. Here are some tips that will help you make sure you are doing it right:
* Insulin needs to be injected into fatty areas (subcutaneously), and not into muscles (it hurts more and insulin gets absorbed faster leading to risk of lowered blood sugar). Also, do not inject into scar tissue, swollen areas, moles, nerves, varicose veins or bruises.
* There are a few areas that are most preferable, in order of how fast insulin is absorbed into the body: the abdomen, the back of the upper arms, the fleshy part of the thighs and the buttocks.
* Know about the correct positions and the injection technique. On the abdomen, stay three inches away from belly button. On the thighs, the front and outer areas are the best options. On the arms, you may inject into fatty tissue between the shoulder and the elbow. On the buttocks, strictly avoid the lower area.
* Make sure to keep the time of day and body part consistent. For instance, if your morning dose is given in the arms, then continue to do this every morning. Your afternoon site may be the thighs.
* Move the next injection site at least at a finger’s distance from the previous site. Or else, there is a possibility of developing hard lumps or fatty deposits which can change the way insulin is absorbed.
* When injecting, keep muscles relaxed. Do not massage the spot after injection.
n If you are into sports or strenuous physical activities, don’t inject insulin into an area which is affected by the exercise you are doing. For example, if you plan to jog after your morning injection, avoid inserting insulin in your thighs.
* Get a clear idea from your doctor about the size of the needle and the injection schedule that you need to follow. If you are not comfortable with syringes, speak to your doctor and try out other delivery options such as pens or pumps.
* With syringes, the correct technique is to pinch the area using only your thumb and index finger and taking a couple of inches of skin and fat. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, so it doesn’t go into the muscle. Push the plunger in, release skin, and remove needle after counting slowing till 10. Then release the pinch-up.
* If you’re bleeding or the injection is hurting, do check with your doctor about your insertion technique. Also, re-use of needles causes pain. Insulin needs to be at room temperature, or else it may hurt.
* Never reuse a needle — it could be blunted, can break and get lodged in the skin, or be bent. Also, don’t share needles.
* Store insulin right. Keep them at room temperature (59° to 86°F) for one month after opening. Do not store insulin in direct sunlight, the freezer, near air-conditioning vents, heating devices or radiators. You can store unopened vials or pens in the refrigerator.
(The author is with the department of endocrinology, Bharti Hospital, Karnal)
Published 14 October 2016, 15:56 IST