Injecting Insulin

Insulin is injected into the fatty tissue. The body areas that can be used for injections are shown in the picture below. Insulin absorption varies with the body area that is used. The abdomen has the fastest rate of absorption followed by the arms, legs and buttocks. Randomly changing the body areas used for injections may result in variability in blood sugar levels. It is best that injection sites be changed within one body area instead of between body areas. The body area used for each routine injection (for example, before breakfast) should be the same every day.

1. Abdomen - stay 2 inches away from the navel (belly button) or scars and go sideways to the hips. You can go above or below the waist if there is good tissue.

2. Arms - measure one hand width down from the shoulder and one hand width up from the elbow. Use the fleshy outer surface.

3. Legs - measure one hand width down from the groin and one hand width up from the knee. Use the top and outer part of the leg staying away from the inner part of the thigh.

4. Buttocks - use the upper outer area.

* Do Not Inject In The Same Place. Keep Changing Your Injection Sites In A Body Area.

Injecting

1. Wipe the injection site with alcohol or clean with soap and water.

2. Gently pinch up the skin at the injection site with your free hand to pull the fat away from the muscle.

3. Holding the syringe like a pencil, quickly push the needle into the injection site. The needle can be inserted at an angle of 45° or 90°. Be sure the needle is all the way in.

4. Push the plunger in at a steady rate all the way down.

5. Pull the needle straight out quickly. Hold the alcohol wipe over the injection site for a few seconds. Do not rub the area.

Disposal of Needles and Syringes

Dispose of the needles and syringes properly. It is recommended that they be disposed of in a container that is used only for that purpose. A coffee can or hard plastic bottle, such as an empty bleach or liquid detergent bottle, can be used. Do not use a container that will be returned to a store or recycled. Do not use glass or clear plastic containers. When the container is full, seal the lid with heavy-duty tape. Check with your local community waste disposal agency for the proper way to dispose of the container. Make sure that sharps are kept out of the reach of children.

Last Reviewed 2005

Source: Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.