Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas. It works to control the level of glucose, also known as blood sugar, in the body. For some individuals, the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to adequately maintain a healthy and safe level of glucose. This type of diabetes is called type I, or insulin dependent diabetes. In these cases insulin injections might be required. Insulin can be administered in the subcutaneous layer of the skin, between the skin and muscle. There are various techniques for administration, depending on a patient's age and injection site.
Administration
The administration of subcutaneous insulin injections is relatively simple to learn. The first step is to select the injection site. Clean the area, usually with the an alcohol swab, and make sure the needle is clear of air bubbles. Then insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 90-degree angle. Push the plunger of the syringe to administer the medication. Once injected, the individual might want to rub the injection site lightly with her hand to disperse the medication. For children and smaller adults, the type of needle used or the method of administration might need to be altered to be certain that the insulin is administered properly. According to the American Diabetes Association, for these populations, you might want to insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 45-degree angle to avoid injection into muscle tissue.
Sites
There are several locations on the body that are suitable for administration of the insulin injection. Sites that are commonly selected include upper arms, thighs, abdomen or buttocks. The area chosen generally depends on the preference of the individual or administrator of the injection. Injection sites should be rotated each time the insulin is given. This helps to prevent the development of lumps or masses in the tissue. According to the American Diabetes Association, the abdomen allows for the fastest rate of insulin absorption into the skin.
Additional Information
There are additional considerations to evaluate when injecting insulin. It is important to select a site away from the navel, or belly button, as well as scar tissue or skin lesions. The skin in these areas could be damaged and rough, preventing adequate absorption. It is also important to work with your health care provider to select the proper syringe and needle size to ensure the most comfortable insulin administration possible.
