Why do diabetics inject insulin into the skin and not directly bloodstream?

Insulin cannot be taken orally because the digestive acids and enzymes would break it down and render it ineffective before reaching the bloodstream. Therefore, it needs to be injected into the body.

Insulin is not injected directly into the bloodstream, though. Instead, it is injected into the subcutaneous fat layer, just under the skin. There are several reasons for this:

1) Insulin is a hormone that works best when it is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream. If it were injected directly into a blood vessel, it would cause a sudden spike in insulin levels, which could be dangerous for a diabetic.

2) Injecting insulin into the fat layer is less painful than injecting it into a muscle or vein.

3) The fat layer provides a cushion that helps to prevent the needle from damaging underlying tissues.

4) The fat layer has a rich blood supply, so the insulin can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Most people with diabetes inject insulin several times a day, usually before meals and at bedtime. The dose of insulin that a person needs varies depending on their blood sugar levels and other factors.