1.If you’re using rapid-acting (mealtime) insulin, inject it within 15 minutes before your meal. It’s best to inject it just before you start eating. This helps prevent low blood sugar.
2. Most mealtime insulins work for 4 hours. Don’t inject mealtime insulin more often than every 4 hours unless your healthcare provider tells you to. For example, if you eat breakfast at 8 a.m., don’t inject your next dose of mealtime insulin until 12 p.m. (noon) or later. Injecting doses too close together can cause low blood sugar, which can be dangerous.
3.If you’re using long-acting insulin, inject it at the same time every day. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
4.It’s okay to use rapid-acting and long-acting insulin at the same time.
How to give an insulin injection？
1.Always check your blood sugar before using your insulin pen. Remember to clean your hands with soap and warm water. To do this, wet your hands and apply soap. Rub your hands together well for 15 to 20 seconds, then rinse. Dry your hands with a paper towel and use that same towel to turn off the faucet.
2. you know your blood sugar level, you can figure out whether it’s safe for you to take insulin, and what dose you need. Your healthcare provider will teach you how to do these things. They’ll also tell you how long you can use the pen once you put a needle on it for the first time. Follow their instructions.
3.Check the label on the insulin pen to make sure you have the right insulin pen for the right time. For example, if you’re eating, make sure you have your rapid acting insulin pen.
Once you know which insulin and what dose to take, set up your supplies on a clean, flat surface.
You’ll need:
1.Take the pen cap off the insulin pen. Place the pen cap on the table.
2.Some types of insulin are meant to be clear. Others are meant to be cloudy.
Clear insulin: If your insulin is supposed to be clear, check to make sure it’s completely clear. If it’s discolored or cloudy, don’t use it. Throw it away and get a new insulin pen. Cloudy insulin: If your insulin is supposed to be cloudy, mix it by gently rolling the pen between your hands 10 times. Then tip the pen up and down 10 times. The insulin should look evenly white and cloudy with no lumps or pieces floating in it. If you see any, keep mixing it until you don’t.
3.Open an alcohol wipe and clean the rubber seal at the top of the insulin pen. Then throw the alcohol wipe away in the trash can.
4.Take the protective tab off the new pen needle. Throw the tab away.
5.Twist the pen needle onto the top of the insulin pen until it stops turning . Make sure to keep the pen needle straight as you twist it on.
6.Once the needle is on the pen, take off the outer needle cap . Place it on the table to use later.
7.Take off the inner needle cap. Throw it away.
Priming the insulin pen will help you make sure your pen and needle are working like they should. This will also help you make sure that the needle fills with insulin, so you get your full dose. It’s important to do a safety test before every insulin injection.
1.Hold the insulin pen so you can read the name of the insulin. Look at the dose window. Turn the dose selector forward to dial it to 2 units (see Figure 8). The arrow in the dose window should line up exactly to the number you need. It’s ok to turn it back if you go too far. If you dial past 2 units, turn the dosage selector back until you’re at 2 units.
2.Hold your insulin pen so the needle is pointing up.
3.Firlmly press the injection button against the table or with your thumb. Look for drops of insulin coming out the tip of the needle.If no insulin comes out, dial to 2 units again. Press the injection button a second time.If insulin still doesn’t come out, dial the dose selector to 2 units again. Press the injection button a third time.If insulin still doesn’t come out, put the outer needle cap back on the needle. Twist the needle off the insulin pen and drop it into the sharps container. Put a new needle on the insulin pen and repeat the steps for priming the pen.
Set the insulin dose
After you prime the pen, the dose selector should go back to zero. If it doesn’t, turn the dose selector back until it does.
Dial the pen to your dose. Make sure the arrow is exactly lined up with the dose you’re injecting. If you can’t dial to the number of units you need, the insulin pen is probably almost empty. Throw it away and get a new one so you can inject the full dose at once. Never inject less than a full dose or split the dose into 2 injections.
Choose an injection site
Once your pen is ready, chosen an injection site. Don’t inject insulin into the same spot you used the last time, or near incisions, scars, or stretch marks.
Each injection should be at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) from the last site you used. This helps prevent soreness and scar tissues. Following a pattern can help you remember to rotate injection sites.
For example:
Using one of these areas will ensure the insulin goes into the tissue beneath your skin, not into your muscles.
Inject the insulin dose
Once you’ve chosen your injection site, gently clean the skin with an alcohol wipe. To inject the insulin:
1.Hold the insulin pen in your fist with your thumb on the injection button. Be careful not to push down on the injection button before you push the needle into your skin.
2.Gently pinch up your skin at the injection site. In one smooth, quick motion, push the whole needle into your skin. Make sure it’s at a 90-degree angle (straight up and down), not tilted. Apply gentle pressure so you see a small dimple in your skin around the tip of the pen.
3.Move your thumb to the top of the insulin pen. Hold the pen stable and push the injection button down firmly. Be careful not to press the pen harder into your body.
4.After you count to 10, pull the needle straight out of your skin. If you see a drop at the injection site, press the area lightly with your finger or a tissue. Never rub the injection site after the injection. This can make the insulin work too fast.
After the injection
Put the large outer needle cap back on the needle. Unscrew the needle from the insulin pen and drop it into your sharps container. Then, put the pen cap back on the insulin pen.
Store the insulin pen at room temperature (below 86° F, or 30° C). Keep it away from direct too much heat or cold, and direct sunlight.
The information is from the Internet and is for reference only.