Mastering Insulin Administration: A Guide for Patients

Insulin administration is a crucial aspect of diabetes management, and ensuring that it's done correctly can significantly impact a patient’s well-being. This article provides essential steps and tips for drawing up and injecting insulin safely and effectively, whether using a syringe or an insulin pen.

When preparing insulin, the first step is to ensure that you’re using a proper insulin syringe, as ordinary syringes are not suitable for this medication. Before drawing insulin, check the expiration date and clean the vial's bung with an alcohol swab. If the insulin is cloudy, gently rotate the bottle to mix it before proceeding to draw the correct dose into the syringe. It’s essential to avoid introducing air bubbles, as they can affect the accuracy of dosing.

Injection technique is equally important. Insulin should be injected subcutaneously, into the fatty layer just beneath the skin. Avoid injecting through clothing to minimize infection risk. A proper technique involves pinching the skin to lift the subcutaneous tissue and inserting the needle at a 45° or 90° angle, depending on the amount of subcutaneous fat. After injecting, keep the needle in place for a count of ten to ensure complete delivery of the insulin.

When using insulin pens, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and prime the pen before use. This step is critical to ensure accurate dosing. After injecting, it’s recommended to press on the injection site with a clean tissue, although washing the skin beforehand is generally sufficient. Using alcohol swabs is not necessary and may cause discomfort.

Mixing insulins is a task that many patients are discouraged from attempting due to the complexity and potential for inaccuracy. While isophane (NPH) insulins can be mixed with short-acting insulins, other combinations should be avoided unless specifically instructed. If mixing is necessary, follow the appropriate protocol for drawing air into the syringe and injecting it into the corresponding vials.

In special circumstances, such as when a patient is in shock or hypotensive, subcutaneous injections may not be absorbed effectively. In such cases, intramuscular administration may be considered to ensure the insulin can take effect. It’s vital for patients to understand the importance of proper insulin administration to maintain control over their diabetes and avoid potential complications.