How to Give Subcutaneous Insulin Injections

Subcutaneous insulin injections are given to diabetics who are using insulin to control their blood glucose levels. In years past, it was thought that only Type 1 diabetics used insulin, but these days you may find a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic on insulin. In the type 1 diabetic, insulin is supplemented because their pancreas does not make it. In type 2 diabetics, insulin can be used because their bodies don't make enough or cannot use it correctly. Subcutaneous insulin injections are given the same in either case, and can be done very simply and quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Insulin vial
• Insulin syringe
• Alcohol wipes
• Soap and water

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and then gather all the needed supplies to give the injection. Whether you are giving it to yourself or someone else, the procedure is the same.

• 2

  Lay out your equipment so that you know what you have. You do not want to stop part-way through the procedure, so this is the best way to double-check your supplies and equipment before you start.

• 3

  Determine the injection site you will be using. The best sites for insulin are the back of the upper arm, the abdomen, or the thigh.

• 4

  Clean the site with an alcohol swab or pre-packaged alcohol wipe. This will help avoid infection and contamination from the injection.

• 5

  Determine the dosage required for the injection and draw air into the syringe to the dosage amount after removing both caps from the syringe. Insert the syringe into the rubber stopper of the vial.

• 6

  Invert the vial and syringe and inject the air into the vial. Draw the plunger back and fill the syringe with insulin a couple of units beyond the required dose.

• 7

  Tap the syringe lightly to encourage any air that may be in the syringe to rise to the top. Slide the plunger in until you are at the required dosage.

• 8

  Withdraw the syringe from the vial and set the vial aside. Pinch the skin at the injection site slightly and insert the needle of the syringe straight into the skin.

• 9

  Slowly push the plunger on the syringe, injecting the insulin into the subcutaneous tissue. Hold the syringe in place for five seconds to allow all the insulin to absorb into the tissue.

• 10

  Withdraw the syringe and dispose of into a sharps or puncture-resistant container. Do not re-cap the syringe, as you could stick yourself in the process.