An insulin shot is used to help a diabetic patient manage his diabetes and high blood sugar levels. Diabetics can receive insulin through an insulin jet injector which is a mist that is inhaled, through an external pump which releases small amounts of insulin into the body throughout the day as needed, with a pen that already has a type of insulin inside, or with an insulin syringe. The insulin syringe still remains a popular choice among diabetics and is a fast way to receive an accurate injection.
Sliding Scale
Before administering an insulin shot, the diabetic must understand the insulin sliding scale. The sliding scale is generally adjusted once your physician has the results of your fasting blood glucose levels from a blood draw. The physician will base the sliding scale on what type of diabetes you have, your weight and overall health. The scale has columns. In one column will be a broad range of glucose or blood sugar levels. In the other column will be how many units of insulin you should take depending on your blood sugar level. The ranges are generally between 120 and 400. The higher your blood glucose is, the more units of insulin you will take to bring levels at or below 120.
Types
An insulin shot is composed of three main parts: the barrel that holds the insulin, the needle that is injected into the skin and the plunger that draws the insulin up into the barrel. Needles come in different gauges. The higher the gauge, the smaller the needle. There are also ultra fine needles that are sometimes easier to inject for some people. Syringes vary in size depending how much insulin one generally takes at a time. Most syringes are measured in cc and the insulin, according to the sliding scale, is measured in units. 1cc is the largest and holds 100 units of insulin, 1/2cc holds 50 units and 3/10cc holds 30 units of insulin.
How to Give an Injection
Insulin comes in rapid acting, slow acting and a mixture formula. Your doctor will prescribe the right type of insulin based on your overall weight and health. Determine your sliding scale amount to find out how many units of insulin you will need to take. Place the needle into the insulin bottle and then turn the bottle upside down. Draw up the appropriate amount of insulin, measured in cc. Check for air bubbles; if they are present, repeat again but more slowly.
Location
Choose where to give yourself your insulin shot. Most people try to give the shot close to the pancreas in the abdomen area. Insulin can also be administered to the back of the arm, thighs and buttocks. Wipe the skin area with an alcohol swab. Grab the fatty area of skin and stick the needle in at a 90-degree angle. Inject all of the insulin by pressing on the plunger. Remove the needle straight out without bending. Discard the syringe into a sharps container.
Storage
Store insulin inside of a cool, dry place such as a refrigerator. Keep the insulin out of direct sunlight. Use caution, because insulin is stored in glass containers that can easily break. Store syringes and alcohol prep pads in a dry location, such as a medicine cabinet or cupboard. Keep out of reach of children.
