Insulin, as it is inactivated by digestive enzymes, cannot be used in tablets or capsules, so the way of application is subcutaneous that is applying it to a layer of fat under the skin with a syringe.
There are places on the body where it is advisable to apply insulin. Those places are the fat layer of the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks and the back of the arms.
If you become a candidate for insulin’s dosage, you should know that there are three devices which you can apply it.
Syringe
These are disposable syringes where the amount of insulin units prescribed by your doctor is loaded. These are still used; however, the popularity of insulin pens and pumps is growing.
Auto Injector
The dose is adjustable according to the doctor’s indication.
Pump
Electronic devices that continuously deliver insulin.
SYRINGE APPLICATION TECHNIQUE
Correct insulin application technique is important for both patient safety and insulin efficacy. You can follow the following tips:
Wash your hands with water and soap.
Take the insulin vial and check the labels correctly to make sure you are using the right one, this in case you use more than one type of insulin.
Fill the syringe with an amount of air equal to the dose of insulin to be administered.
Inject the air from the syringe into the vial with the insulin.
Aspirate the number of units of insulin to be injected.
Clean the area where the insulin will be applied with an alcohol swab.
Pinch the area to be injected and inject insulin at a 90-degree angle.
** If any doubt asks a professional health care provider and follow its instructions**
AUTO INJECTOR APPLICATION TECHNIQUE
If you have a auto injector device to take insulin, follow these tips: 7
Wash your hands with water and soap.
Take the pen and check that it has the correct number of units of insulin to be administered.
Clean the area where the insulin will be applied with an alcohol swab.
Pinch the area to be injected and inject the insulin at a 90 angle.
** If any doubt asks a professional health care provider and follow its instructions**
References
4. American Diabetes Association. (2019). American Diabetes Association. Retrieved from www.diabetes.org
6. Davies, M., D’Alessio, D., Fradkin, J., Kernan, W., Mathieu, C., Mingrone, G., . . . Buse, J. (2018). Management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, 2018. A consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Diabetoligia, 2461-2498.
7. American Association of Diabetes Educators. (2019). AADE. Retrieved from https://www.diabeteseducator.org/docs/default-source/legacy-docs/_resources/pdf/general/Insulin_Injection_How_To_AADE.pdf
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