Diabetes is a disease characterized by high levels of sugar in your blood. Insulin is a chemical made in your pancreas that serves to decrease these high sugar levels. In diabetes, the beta cells (type of cell in the pancreas) that make insulin are destroyed and a synthetic form is necessary as a replacement. Synthetic forms of insulin can be injected into the arms, stomach, and buttocks. There are specific steps on how to administer insulin shots.
Step 1
Scrub your hands well with soap and water for approximately 30 seconds. Dry them well.
Step 2
Look at the insulin bottle and check its expiration date. Obtain a new bottle if it is expired.
Step 3
Remove the lid from the insulin bottle and wipe the top with an alcohol swab.
Step 4
Remove the cap from the needle and pull back on the plunger so that air is drawn into the syringe. Pull back to the labeled increment on the syringe that matches your recommended insulin dosage.
Step 5
Push the needle into the rubber top portion of the insulin bottle and press the plunger so that air enters the bottle. Do not let go.
Step 6
Hold the bottle upside down and draw up the needed insulin dose. Make sure no air bubbles enter the syringe. Tap the syringe with your fingers if air bubbles enter.
Step 7
Choose a site to inject the insulin and clean the area with an alcohol swab. Use one hand to pinch the skin around the selected site.
Step 8
Slowly inject the needle into the skin at a 90 degree angle. After injecting, let go of the pinched skin. Hold the needle into the skin for 30 seconds to ensure all the insulin is used.
Step 9
Remove the needle and throw it into a sharps container. You successfully administered an insulin shot.
Things You'll Need
- Needle with syringe and plunger
- Insulin bottle
- Alcohol swab
