How to inject insulin

Be sure to tell your doctor

• If your blood sugar is often too low or too high
• If lumps appear at injection sites
• If you have trouble seeing the dose window on the pen

How to prepare

• Insulin. Keep spare insulin in the fridge, not the freezer. The pen you are using now is usually kept at room temperature. Check the leaflet.
• Needles. A new needle for each injection. Put used needles in a sturdy jar with a lid.
• Dose. Your doctor sets the dose and timing. Do not change the plan on your own.

What to bring

• Your insulin pen and needles
• Your glucose meter
• Your blood sugar log

How it goes

1. Wash your hands and check the insulin name and expiry date
2. For cloudy insulin, gently roll the pen in your hands and tip it 10 to 20 times
3. Attach a new needle and dial 2 units into the air. A drop at the tip means the pen works
4. Dial your dose
5. Choose a spot: belly, thigh, upper arm, or buttock. Move a little away from the last spot each time
6. Insert the needle straight in and press the button all the way
7. Wait 10 seconds, then pull the needle out
8. Remove the needle and throw it in the jar

What you'll feel

• A thin needle prick that you barely feel
• Sometimes a drop of blood or a small bruise

Afterwards

• Write down your dose and blood sugar in your log
• Change injection spots, so lumps do not form
• Always carry something sweet in case of low blood sugar