On this page, your questions will be answered before using insulin pens.

What Are Insulin Pens?

When you have diabetes, the pancreas weakens or stops producing insulin, so you need to take insulin regularly by using an external insulin source such as insulin pens:

Indications for the use of insulin pens:

• All patients with Type 1 diabetes.
• Patients with Type 2 diabetes, if their sugar levels are not regulated through exercise and nutrition or by using oral diabetic medications, or if the cumulative sugar level is extremely high.
• Gestational diabetes, if blood sugar levels are not at the target level, and are not regulated with exercise and nutrition.

There are several types of insulin injections; your doctor will prescribe the type and dosage of insulin appropriate for you:

• Short-acting: Usually used three times a day directly before eating or half an hour before. Your doctor may ask you to measure your blood sugar half an hour before using it to avoid low blood sugar.
• Long-acting: Typically used once daily, usually in the evening before bedtime, and it does not require blood sugar measurement before use.
• Mixed “cloudy”: Generally used twice daily in the morning before breakfast and in the evening before dinner, and it does not require blood sugar measurement before use.

There is no standard or “typical” insulin dose, and your dose will be the amount of insulin you need to maintain a good blood sugar level.

Usage Instructions:

The supplies you will need include:

• The prescribed insulin pen.
• Alcohol swabs.
• Pen needles: Pen needles come in different sizes. Speak to your healthcare provider to choose the appropriate pen needle.
• Container for used equipment: You can use a hard plastic container with a tight lid, or a “sharps” container to dispose of used needle tips.

Steps to follow:

1. Ask your healthcare provider about the sites on your body where you should inject, and how to use the needles based on your health condition, and how to maintain them properly.
2. Wash your hands.
3. Remove the cap of the insulin pen.
4. Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
5. Attach a new pen needle to the insulin pen.
6. To attach the pen needle, remove the paper tab from the pen needle, fix the new needle onto the pen, then remove the outer needle cap. You will need the outer cap to remove the needle from the pen when finished injecting.
7. To prepare the insulin pen, turn the dose knob to the marker of 2 units. With the pen pointed upward, push the knob completely. At least one drop of insulin should appear (to remove air bubbles). You may need to repeat this step until a drop appears.
8. Set the prescribed insulin dose by turning the dose knob.
9. Confirm the accuracy of the dose, and place the pen down without allowing the needle to touch anything.
10. Choose an injection area that is clean and dry, and wipe it with alcohol.
11. Insert the needle quickly into the skin at a 90-degree angle. The needle should reach your skin.
12. Slowly push the pen knob inwards to deliver your full dose. Remember to hold the pen in place for 6-10 seconds, then withdraw the needle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for when buying insulin pens?

Consult your doctor about the best-suited insulin pen for you. The insulin pen you choose should also depend on your needs and preferences if the doctor finds it appropriate.

What are the signs that it’s time to discard insulin pens?

Common signs for discarding insulin pens include:

• Exposure of insulin to extreme heat or cold, which can change how it works.
• Do not use insulin pens that contain clumps, discoloration, or have been frozen.