Technique for Administering Subcutaneous Insulin Injections

People with Type I diabetes require insulin injections because their bodies do not manufacture insulin and therefore can't control blood sugar levels in the blood. People with Type 2 diabetes, or high blood sugar, may not be able to control blood sugar levels with oral medications or diet alone and need insulin as well. One way to deliver the necessary insulin is through subcutaneous injections, or shots into the skin.

Preparing the Injection

• Always wash hands before the injection. Observe the insulin bottle, checking for discoloration, lumps or crystals. Take the syringe plunger, pull back to fill the syringe with air to the desired dosage. Insert needle into the rubber stopper on top of the insulin bottle and inject the air. Then turn the bottle upside down and draw insulin into the syringe by pulling on the plunger. Double check that you have the correct dose. Check for air bubbles. If there are any, tap the sides of the syringe so that they rise to the top. Then release bubbles with the plunger and once again draw the correct dose into the syringe and remove the needle.

Preparing Injection Site

• Pinch a thick fold of skin. Avoid muscle, moles or scars. Also, allow a 2-inch diameter area around the navel to remain injection-free. Best sites are those with enough fatty tissue, usually the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and back of arms. Rotate injection sites, leaving a finger's width space between sites.

Injecting the Insulin

• If you have an adequate fat layer, inject straight into the skin, at a 90-degree angle. If the injection is for a child or slender person, a 45-degree angle may be preferable. Push needle straight in, and inject the insulin by pushing the plunger steadily until the insulin is gone into the body. Adjust the speed of injections until you find the most comfortable way. Wait several seconds before releasing the pinch of skin and withdrawing the needle. Dispose of the needle promptly in a special container for sharps.