How to Use an Insulin Pen

Insulin pens are used normally by people with type 2 diabetes, and are generally approved for those diabetics that use injectable insulin and not pills. Insulin pens can be adjusted to inject differing amounts of insulin, according to the patient's needs, and are offer a controllable amount for those that have a hard time reading insulin needles. For those diabetics that use a sliding scale for their medication, the insulin pen can be used for differing doses.

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol pad Insulin pen filled with insulin (this is prefilled)

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Instructions

• 1

  Select a site for your injection. Remember to stay at least 1 inch away from prior injection areas, and at least 2 inches from scars or your belly button. Also, do not use any area that is swollen, tender or has bruising.

• 2

  Swab the injection site with the alcohol swab, making sure to wet the entire area around the site. Let the entire area dry before beginning.

• 3

  Remove the pen cover, and you should be able to see the insulin inside your pen. If the insulin looks cloudy you can place the pen between your palms and roll it to mix well.

• 4

  Swab the end of the pen with an alcohol swab to sterilize it, and then peel the cover of the needle off and screw the needle into the end of the pen.

• 5

  Remove air from the pen by pulling the cap off and turn the dose dial up to 2 units, then hold the needle end up in the air. Push the end of the pen in slightly and this will clear out any air bubbles. You should see a droplet of insulin come out of the end of the pen to be positive no air is in the chamber.

• 6

  Set your dose by turning the dial in a clockwise manner until the unit of your dose is able to be seen in the window.

• 7

  Pinch the skin at the injection site and place the needle straight into the skin quickly. Once the needle's entirely inside the skin, use your thumb to push the end of the pen until all the insulin has been injected.