5 Golden Rules To Correctly Inject Insulin

Dr Priya Kotian explains the correct injection technique for adults and children based on the latest published clinical recommendations from Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

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Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, is at the heart of all forms of Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the body produces little or no insulin, whereas Type 2 Diabetes is caused by impaired insulin production and resistance to the insulin that is produced. As a result, people with Type 1 and more than 40 per cent of people with Type 2 Diabetes require insulin injections to manage their condition.

Where do I inject?

Always inject in the healthy fat layer under your skin. For your medication to work properly, it needs to be injected into the fat layer under your skin to avoid the muscle. It is also important to use a new site each time for every injection. Do not inject into the same site repeatedly. If you inject into the muscle, or a scar or any area where your skin feels thick or lumpy, your medication may not work the way it is supposed to and may lead to changes in your blood sugar levels.