All You Need to Know about Using Insulin Pen
Insulin is a chemical messenger which controls the blood sugar level in the human body. When its levels drops, a person must take insulin shots. Earlier, there was only one insulin method, which was through a syringe.
But now there is an advancement through insulin pen. It is a device that makes taking an insulin shot much more effortless.
An insulin pen makes taking insulin injections easier as you do not need to measure the injected insulin amount. You can take between .5 to 80 units of the hormone in a single shot. The maximum dose amount can vary among the available pens, along with the cartridge amount.
What are the Types of Insulin Pens?
Several brands are available in the market, and we can divide them into two categories. They are - disposable and reusable insulin pens.
This type of insulin-containing pen comes pre-filled after using it once you need to throw the entire pen away.
You can replace the insulin cartridge present in pen. When the cartridge empties, you must remove it and install a new one.
In the case of a reusable pen, you have to change the needle after each use. If you take good care of the device, you can use reusable insulin pens for a relatively longer period of time. Based on your requirement and the number of shots you need to take, you can opt for the type of insulin pen that suits your requirement. Besides that, the needle’s length and thickness may also vary depending on your need. You should always consult with your physician before buying the pens or injections.
How to Select the Site of the Injection?
Healthcare providers recommend multiple sites where you can take insulin shots using an insulin pen. Usually recommended sites for insulin shots are the buttocks, abdominal region, front and side thighs, and the final one is the upper arms or outer arms. It would be best if you never took an insulin shot near your groin, navel, any joint of the body, the middle part of the abdomen, or close to any scar tissue.
It is better to keep on changing the injection sites. Suppose you keep administering insulin to your body through the same area. In that case, the muscle under that region will get hardened over time. The hardened muscular area will prevent the insulin from functioning properly. So, to make the whole process comfortable and safer, you should keep rotating the insulin pen needle insertion sides. A few guidelines will help you pick the ideal site for taking insulin shots through an insulin injection pen.
Another important thing is that depending on the type and dose of insulin, and the body may absorb the insulin differently.
How Can You Use an Insulin Pen?
Before you use an insulin pen, you need to collect the following things:
Final Words
Insulin injection pens are one of the most convenient methods of administering insulin to the human body if blood sugar level alters. Anyone can take insulin by using these pens. All you need to accomplish is selecting the correct dose and knowing how to give an insulin shot. Choose either disposable or reusable insulin pens after consulting with your doctor. So, consistently check your blood sugar level using an insulin pen.
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