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How To Give Yourself An Insulin Injection
Over 800,000 Americans will be diagnosed with diabetes this year. If you are diagnosed with diabetes and need insulin injections in order to survive, your doctor will be sure to teach you the proper method of injecting insulin. However, for a quick refresher, we're here to help.
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You Will Need
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Step 1:
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Gather Supplies
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As a diabetic you will use your insulin supplies every day, several times a day. It's best if you keep your insulin supplies together in a bag or kit so you can carry them with you wherever you go.
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Step 2:
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Scrub Up
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Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly. Then clean your injection spot with the alcohol prep pad. Let the alcohol dry on the skin so it doesn't sting when you make the injection.
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Step 3:
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Insulin Check
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Check your insulin to see how much you need to administer, the insulin type, expiration date and the color.
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Step 4:
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Clean and Clear
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Clear insulin does not need to be agitated. To agitate cloudy insulin, turn the bottle on its side and roll it between the palms of your hands. Don't shake it. Now use an alcohol prep pad to clean the top of the bottle.
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Step 5:
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Pick A spot
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There are several body areas where you may give yourself an insulin shot. These include your outer upper arms, front and sides of both thighs, buttocks or hip area and abdomen, If you do inject yourself in the abdomen, avoid the 2 inch circle around your navel, because that area does not absorb as well.
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Step 6:
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Draw
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Remove the cap from the needle. Pull back the plunger on the syringe to draw in enough air to equal your insulin dose. Push the needle into the bottle top and inject the air into the bottle. Turn the bottle and syringe upside down. Now pull the plunger to withdraw the correct insulin dose into the syringe.
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Step 7:
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Air Check
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If you see any air bubbles, tap the syringe with your finger to make them rise to the top. Slowly push in the plunger until all bubbles are gone, return to your dosage level and remove the needle from the bottle.
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Step 8:
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Pinch and Push
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Slightly pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and forefinger. Holding the syringe at a 90 degree angle Push the needle all the way into the skin.
Let go of the pinched tissue before injecting the insulin. Press the plunger using a slow and steady push.
Count slowly to five before removing the needle.
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Step 9:
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Clean Up
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Pull out the needle and rub an alcohol pad over the site. Throw away used disposable needles and syringes safely in a hard container that the needles cannot stick through.
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