How to Give an Insulin Injection
If you are a diabetic, you may eventually have to give yourself insulin. Insulin is produced by cells in the pancreas. When glucose begins to come into the blood stream the pancreas should immediately make the right amount of insulin for our bodies. If you are diabetic you will produce little to no insulin and you will have to take an insulin injection. By having the right tools and knowledge you can make your first injection a less traumatic experience.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Prescribed insulin medication
- Insulin syringe gauge 28 G, 0.5cc
- Alcohol prep pads
- Sharps container
Instructions
-
-
1
Test your blood sugar level with a blood glucose meter to determine what your blood glucose level is. Take that number and determine how many cc's of insulin you will have to administer by following an insulin sliding scale (see Resources below).
-
2
Lay out all of your supplies on a table in front of you so they are easily accessible.
-
-
3
Take your alcohol prep pad and rub the pad on a 6-inch circular section on your stomach. Discard pad.
-
4
Place the bottle of insulin in your hand and shake gently. Remove the protective cap from the bottle.
-
5
Take your insulin needle and remove the protective cap to expose the needle.
-
6
Turn the insulin bottle upside down and insert the needle upright into the insulin, making sure it is under the level of insulin. Pull back the plunger by placing your fingers on the wings of the syringe and stop when you reach the amount of cc's you are required to take. Be sure to check for air bubbles; if there are bubbles repeat the process again more slowly until there are none.
-
7
Pull the needle head out and set the insulin bottle down. Gently but swiftly insert the needle into the sterilized area of your stomach. Once the needle is in, gently push down on the plunger until all of the insulin is administered. Pull out the needle gently in a quick but straight back movement.
-
8
Place the used needle in a sharps container and discard. Place the insulin bottle back into the refrigerator.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Keep insulin stored in a cool place such as a refrigerator; do not allow it to freeze.
Administer injections in different locations each time to prevent severe scar tissue.
Never give yourself an injection without knowing what your blood sugar levels are first.
Have some candy on hand in case your blood sugar drops too low.
Only use the recommended amount of insulin per your physician and per the sliding scale. Failing to follow exact orders could result in serious injury or death.
Do not move the needle around while it is in your body, this could cause the needle to break and cause serious injury.
Do not use dirty needles and do not reuse needles.
Call 911 if you experience extreme dizziness or sweating after injecting insulin.
