6 ways to Give Yourself Insulin - Method3 Using a Pen Device to Inject Insulin

1 Prime the pen device. Allowing a few drops of insulin to drop from the needle tip ensures there are no air bubbles and nothing is obstructing the flow of insulin.

§  Once your pen is ready to use, dial the dose you need to administer.

§  Using a fresh needle, a primed device, and the correct dose dialed on the pen device, you are ready to administer the injection.

§  Follow your doctor's instructions on pinching the skin and the angle of entry in order to more effectively administer the insulin.

2 Administer the insulin. Once you have pushed the thumb button completely in, count slowly to ten before withdrawing the needle.

§  If you are administering a larger dose, your doctor or diabetic healthcare provider may instruct you to count beyond ten to ensure the dose is properly delivered.

§  Counting to ten or beyond ensures that you get the full dose intended and helps to prevent leakage from the injection site when you withdraw the needle.

3 Use your pen only for your own injections. Insulin pens and cartridges should not be shared.

§  Even with fresh needles, there is still a significant risk of transferring skin cells, disease, or infection from one person to another.

4 Dispose of your used needle. As soon as you have given yourself the injection, promptly remove and discard the needle.

§  Do not leave the needle attached to the pen. Removing the needle prevents insulin from leaking from the pen.

§  Removing the needle also prevents air and other contaminants from entering the pen.

§  Always discard used needles appropriately by placing them in a sharps container.