If you need to inject insulin, doing it properly is one the most important things you can do to ensure your good health today and in the future. However, injecting insulin can have its challenges.
Difficulty reading your syringe or pen dose can lead to dosing errors. Complex dosing schedules can also make it difficult to keep track of the insulin that has been given. Active lifestyles can make insulin injections inconvenient or embarrassing when out in public.
Not getting enough insulin can cause serious complications over time as a result of long-term high blood sugars, including damage to your eyes, nerves, kidneys, and other parts of your body. Taking too much insulin can result in severe low blood sugars that can be life-threatening.
If you sometimes find yourself being unsure or uncomfortable when injecting insulin there is help available. Consider these simple solutions to some challenges that people have with taking insulin:
Reading those tiny numbers
Struggling to see the numbers on your syringe or insulin pen? Tiny numbers can lead to big headaches, and even dosing errors. Some insulin pens and syringes have very small numbers that can be difficult to read even for people with perfect vision.
The solution? Try an insulin pen with an easy-to-read display and larger font. They are easier on the eyes and may even reduce the risk of over or under-dosing.
Dosing dilemmas
An insulin pen provides an easy way to get the dose of insulin you need and may help you avoid the hazards of giving yourself the wrong dose. Simply turn the dial on the pen to select the dose you need, and then use the pen to inject the insulin.
Most insulin pens allow you to dial back the dosage if you've dialed too much. This means less insulin wastage and greater convenience. Some people find it helpful to use different insulin pens for each type of insulin they need. For example, this could mean having one pen for your daily or twice daily, long-acting insulin and another pen for your mealtime insulins. You should also confirm with your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or diabetes educator whether your insulin type is appropriate for syringes or if they are more suited for insulin pens.
Keeping track of doses
Trying to remember if you gave yourself your last dose of insulin? Some people have complex insulin dosing schedules. They may need to take multiple types of insulin at the same time and only one type of insulin at another time. Whether you have a complicated dosing schedule or a busy life, it can be hard to keep track. This can lead to missing doses or accidentally double-dosing, both of which have serious consequences. Some new insulin pens have a digital display that confirms the date, approximate time and amount of your last injection. An insulin pen with dose memory may give you the confidence and reassurance you need to manage your insulin therapy.
Struggling with arthritis
With arthritis or shaky hands, it can be tough to twist the dose selector dials on insulin pens with your fingers. There are many insulin pens available that have varying levels of resistance when rotating the pen dial. Furthermore, dialing to certain ranges of insulin doses on some pens may cause the injection button to become further away from the rest of the pen. On the other hand, some pens do not have this issue. Speak with your healthcare provider to find the best pen device for you.
Surpassing your pen limitations
Each insulin pen has a pre-defined maximum number of units that can be given during a single injection. Certain insulins now come in higher strengths and concentrations. This means that you can meet your insulin needs with a smaller volume of insulin, which may even reduce the number of injections you need in a day.
Fitting insulin injections into your active lifestyle
When you're on the go, it can be hard to fit in your insulin injections, especially if you need to tote around bulky vials and injection equipment. If this describes you, there are new compact prefilled insulin pens available that could make taking insulin a lot more convenient. Smaller, lightweight and portable insulin pens may also be helpful for when you need to go abroad or travel. Depending on which insulin you are using, there may also be prefilled, disposable insulin pens available to eliminate the need to switch out cartridges when you run out.
Feeling embarrassed about injecting in public
When you're out for dinner, do you retreat to the washroom to inject your insulin? Or maybe inject under the table? If so, you're not alone. Many people report feeling a bit embarrassed about injecting insulin in public. There are a few things you can do to get more comfortable:
- Remember that using insulin is a medical need and is nothing to be ashamed of. Over time, you'll likely get more comfortable with the process.
- If you're concerned about what people may say, think in advance of how you'll respond to their comments. That way you can feel more prepared. You can also look at it as a chance to educate others.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Making-Insulin-Injections-Easier
