Things You Need to Know about Insulin Pen

Living with diabetes often requires regular insulin injections to manage blood glucose levels effectively. An increasingly popular choice for diabetics is the insulin pen, which offers convenience and accuracy. Here, we provide comprehensive information on using insulin pens, including why and how often you should change the needles, and a step-by-step guide to using the insulin pen.

Why You Should Change Needles of the Insulin Pen Injector?

Changing the needles on your insulin pen is critical for several reasons:

1. Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Over time, the needles can become dull, requiring more force during injection, which can cause discomfort and potentially damage the surrounding tissue.

2. Prevention of Infection: Used needles can harbor bacteria and other pathogens, increasing the risk of infections, especially since they come into contact with the skin.

3. Improved Insulin Efficacy: Used needles can become clogged, leading to inaccurate dosing and inefficient insulin delivery. This can compromise blood glucose management.

4. Avoiding Lipohypertrophy: Repeated injections with the same needle can lead to lumps under the skin (lipohypertrophy), which can interfere with the absorption of insulin.

How Often Should the Needle of the Insulin Pen Be Changed?

To maintain optimal performance and hygiene, it is recommended to change the needle of your insulin pen after every use. This ensures that you are always using a sharp, sterile needle, which minimizes pain and the risk of infection, and guarantees accurate insulin dosing. Even though this might seem excessive, the benefits far outweigh the costs in terms of your comfort and health.

How to Use Pen Insulin Injection?

Using an insulin pen injector is straightforward, but following these steps carefully ensures that you administer your insulin correctly and safely:

1. Prepare the Pen:

• Check the Insulin: Ensure that you have the correct type of insulin and that it hasn’t expired.

• Mix the Insulin: Some insulin types need gentle rolling or tipping to mix adequately. Follow your insulin's specific instructions.

2. Attach a New Needle:

• Clean the Pen Tip: Use an alcohol swab to clean the rubber seal on the pen tip.

• Screw on the Needle: Remove the cap from a new needle and screw it onto the pen.

3. Prime the Pen:

• Set the Dose: Turn the dial to 2 units (or the amount recommended by your healthcare provider).

• Release the Dose: Hold the pen with the needle pointing up and press the button to release a small amount of insulin. This removes any air bubbles and ensures the pen is releasing insulin properly.

4. Set the Correct Dose:

Dial the Dose: Turn the dial to set the number of units you need for your injection, following your healthcare provider's instructions.

5. Inject the Insulin:

• Choose an Injection Site: Common sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate the sites to avoid lipohypertrophy.

• Clean the Skin: Use an alcohol swab to clean the area.

• Inject the Insulin: Pinch the skin, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, and press the button to release the insulin. Hold for 10 seconds to ensure all the insulin is delivered before removing the needle.

6. Dispose of the Needle Safely:

• Remove the Needle: Unscrew the needle and place it in a sharps disposal container.

• Replace the Pen Cap: Place the cap back on the pen for storage.

Following these steps ensures that you are effectively and safely injecting insulin with pen.

Refillable Insulin Pen

A refillable insulin pen offers the convenience of multiple uses without needing constant replacement. Instead of discarding the entire pen after the insulin cartridge is empty, you simply replace the cartridge. This is cost-effective and environmentally friendly while still ensuring accurate dosage and ease of use.

Benefits of Refillable Insulin Pens

1. Cost-Effective: Over time, using a refillable insulin pen can save money compared to disposable pens.

2. Environmentally Friendly: Reduces waste as only cartridges and needles need frequent replacement.

Using a Refillable Insulin Pen

1. Insert a New Cartridge: Remove the empty cartridge and insert a new one according to the pen's instructions.

2. Prime the Pen: Just like with a disposable pen, it’s important to prime a refillable pen to ensure proper insulin flow.

3. Replace Needle Regularly: Follow the same protocol for changing needles to keep injections safe and comfortable.

Wanhai Medical's range of refillable insulin pens ensures you have the most reliable and user-friendly options available to manage your diabetes efficiently.

In conclusion, knowing how to use a pen insulin injector, regularly changing needles, and considering options like a refillable insulin pen, can significantly contribute to efficient diabetes management. Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice and follow best practices for optimal health.