Injecting can be more comfortable
Injecting yourself a number of times a day can be a real pain. The good news itis isn’t as hard as you think. Hear’s a handy checlist to talk about with your haeth care profeesionl.
Am I injecting properly?
You should only inject into the fat layer (also called subcutaneous tissue) just below your skin and not into your muscle. To ensure that you do not inject into the muscle, use your thumb & index finger to lift the skin in the desired area.
Am I rotating properly?
There are four areas on your body that are generally used for injecting: abdomen, thighs, buttocks and arms. Talk about a structured rotation plan with your doctor or diabetes educator.
Rule 1
Rotate between injecting sites
For example, divide the injection site into quadrants or halves (if using your thigh or buttocks). Use a different quadrant each week and then rotate clockwise.
Rule 2
Rotate within injection sites
(i.e. don’t inject in exactly the same point each time)
When it’s time to inject again, choose a different spot within the area. If you imagine a grid drawn on the skin, you’re aiming to move a finger’s width from the last injection point.
Am I waiting long enough?
It is important to wait 10 seconds after your insulin has been fully injected, so that you reduce the risk of some leaking beak out.
Am I using a new insulin syringe every time?
It is important to remember that insulin syringes are for one time use only.Re-using needles can cause pain,needle bending and breakage,skin damage,needle clogging and dosing in accuracy.Use a new insulin syringe every time.
What are “lipos”?
If you re-inject in the same place within a site,the tissue underneath may start to harden forming unslightly lumbs often called “lipos” – a condition called lipohypertrophy.Lipos can prevent insulin from working properly.Avoid injecting into the lipo area and remember to recognize,rotate and replace!
