Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, helps the body use or store glucose from food. Type 1 diabetics do not produce insulin, so they must take insulin shots every day. Some type 2 diabetics must also take insulin shots. Insulin is injected into the fat under the skin. Adult insulin syringes have short, fin needles and hold up to 1 ml of insulin. The syringe barrels are marked with a scale up to 100 units. Accurate measurement is vital, so it is helpful to use a magnifying device if the markings cannot be read easily.
Preparation
Step 1
Check the vial, syringe and your health care provider's instructions.
Step 2
Wash your hands.
Step 3
Place the vial on a flat surface and remove the cap. Swab the rubber top with an antimicrobial swab and let it dry.
Step 4
Pull the cap off the needle. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand between two fingers. With your thumb and fourth finger, pull back on the plunger to the line on the barrel that equals the amount of the insulin dose.
Step 5
Steady the vial with your non-dominant hand. Still holding the syringe in your dominant hand, insert the needle into the vial and inject the measured air into the space above the insulin level.
Step 6
Pick the vial up and invert it, still holding the syringe with your dominant hand. Withdraw the prescribed dose of insulin into the syringe. If bubbles appear, lightly tap the syringe until the bubbles rise, then inject them back into the vial and withdraw more insulin until the correct amount is in the syringe.
Step 7
Withdraw the needle from the vial and recap it.
Administration
Step 1
Select an injection site, preferably on the abdomen or thigh. Clean around it with an antimicrobial swab and allow the area to dry.
Step 2
Pull the needle cap off and set it aside.
Step 3
Pinch up the area surrounding the injection site with your non-dominant hand.
Step 4
Quickly insert the needle into the skin at a 45- to 90-degree angle as if you are using a dart.
Step 5
Release the tissue. Use your non-dominant hand to steady the syringe. Reposition your dominant hand and inject the insulin slowly.
Step 6
Withdraw the needle quickly and apply pressure to the site with a gauze square.
Step 7
Discard the needle and syringe in an appropriate receptacle. If you reuse your syringes at home, carefully replace the cap over the needle and store the syringe in a safe location.
Tips and Warnings
- Dispose of syringes in containers that prevent the needles from causing harm. The American Diabetic Association recommends using an opaque, heavy-duty plastic bottle with a screw cap or a metal or plastic box. Check with your local authorities about regulations for disposal of medical waste. Contact your pharmacy or health care provider if you have questions about your insulin regimen.
- Never share syringes with another person. Expert opinions differ on the safety of reusing insulin syringes at home. Check with your health care provider to determine if you can reuse them.
Things You'll Need
- Insulin syringe
- Antimicrobial swab
- Sharps container or opaque plastic container
- Insulin vial
- Magnifying device, if needed
References
- "Fundamentals of Nursing"; Taylor; 2006
- American Diabetes Association: Insulin Storage and Syringe Safety
- BD Diabetes: Insulin Syringe FAQ
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