Insulin, a hormone necessary for converting sugars and starches into energy, is not produced by the pancreas in individuals suffering from Type 1 diabetes. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or the cells of the body are insulin-resistant. Without insulin, blood sugar levels rise too high and cause life-threatening complications. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is managed with oral medication, but insulin may also be required. A flexpen, an injection device pre-filled with insulin, offers a convenient and accurate way to take insulin.
Step 1
Wash your hands, then remove the flexpen cap. Cleanse the rubber stopper on top of the insulin reservoir with alcohol.
Step 2
Screw a compatible insulin needle onto the flexpen. Remove the cap from the needle.
Step 3
Dial two units. Hold the flexpen with the needle pointing upward and gently tap on the reservoir. Press the button. Priming the flexpen is necessary to ensure that small amounts of air trapped in the insulin reservoir are removed and not injected. A small amount of insulin should appear at the top of the needle. If not, repeat priming steps. Turn the dial to zero.
Step 4
Dial the number of insulin units that will be given. Use alcohol to cleanse the area of the skin where the injection will be given. Pinch a 2-inch fold of skin on the cleansed area of the skin.
Step 5
Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle in the 2-inch area of pinched skin. Push down on the button. Keep the needle in the skin for six seconds to ensure that all the insulin has been given.
Step 6
Withdraw the needle. Apply an adhesive bandage if desired. Remove the needle and place it in a sharps container.
Tips and Warnings
- Flexpens using an insulin suspension must be resuspended before they can be used. Gently roll the flexpen in the palm of the hand 10 times. Subcutaneous injections can be given in the outer upper part of the arm, the upper thigh, the abdomen or the buttocks. The needle will penetrate a layer of fat between the skin and muscle. Flexpens are disposable and should be discarded when empty. Once the flexpen is in use, it is OK to use for 28 days without refrigeration.
- To minimize damage to needles, do not screw the needle onto the flexpen until it is time for the injection. After six failed attempts at priming, do not use the flexpen. Faulty flexpens should be discarded; use a new pen. While dialing a dose of insulin, it is OK to turn the dial selector in either direction to correct a mistaken dose. Always double-check to make certain the correct amount of insulin is being given. Never reuse needles, and always discard the needle in a sharps container. Sharps containers are available at most pharmacies or medical supply stores. If you do not have access to a sharps container, use a used bleach bottle or a laundry detergent bottle with a top that screws on tightly. Do not use clear bottles or glass containers. Always put containers in the garbage, never in a recycling bin. Keep sharps containers out of reach of small children and pets.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton balls
- Alcohol
- Flexpen
- Flexpen-compatible needle
- Adhesive bandage
