1. The abdomen is the best site for insulin injection, with the outer thigh and upper arm as alternatives. Sites should be rotated to avoid lipodystrophy. 2. To inject insulin, the skin should be cleaned and gently pinched before inserting the needle at a 90 or 45 degree angle and slowly injecting the insulin while counting to 10 before removing the needle. 3. Used needles should be properly disposed of to prevent accidental needle sticks and protect sanitation workers and pets.

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INSULIN INJECTION TECHNIQUE FOR DIABETES—
Dr. Pranab Kumar Sahana (DM ENDOCRINOLOGY)
STEPS OF INSULIN INJECTION
1 .Wash your hands
2. Site: Abdomen is the best site. An area 2.5 cm away from the umbilicus should
be selected. Anterior and outer aspect of middle thigh and upper outer arm are
the other sites. Injection site should be rotated regularly to avoid lipodystrophy.
3. Make sure skin is clean: It is generally not necessary to wipe the skin with
alcohol before injecting.
4. Gently pinch up the area of the skin between your thumb and the index finger.
5. Push the needle through the skin at 90 º angles or at 45º angle. Slowly push the
plunger in to inject the insulin. Count till 10 before pulling the needle out.
6. Release the pinch-up (only after the needle is taken out of the injection site).
Do not massage the area. Press your finger or an alcohol swab over the spot you
gave your injection if required.
7. Remove the needle: If using a pen, remove the needle from the pen by
replacing the large cover and unscrewing. Leaving the needle on the pen can
result in leakage or air bubbles.
8. Dispose of your used needle: It is important to protect yourself, your loved
ones, sanitation workers and pets from accidental needle sticks. Dispose
according to standards set forth by your local department of sanitation.

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INSULIN INJECTION TECHNIQUE FOR DIABETES—
Dr. Pranab Kumar Sahana (DM ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Insulin injection sites
Site Rotation technique

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INSULIN INJECTION TECHNIQUE FOR DIABETES—
Dr. Pranab Kumar Sahana (DM ENDOCRINOLOGY)
PREPARATION FOR VIAL AND SYRINGE INSULIN INJECTION
1. Gather your insulin supplies: Get your insulin vial and a fresh syringe. Check the
insulin vial to make sure it is the right kind of insulin and that there are no clumps
or particles in it. Also make sure the insulin is not being used past its expiration
date.
2. Gently stir intermediate or premixed insulin: Turn the bottle on its side and roll
it between the palms of your hands. Clear (fast-acting, long acting) insulin
generally does not need to be mixed.
3. Prepare the insulin bottle: If the insulin bottle is new, remove the cap. It is not
necessary to wipe the top of the bottle with alcohol as long as it is clean.
4. Pull air into the syringe: Remove the cap from the needle. Pull back the plunger
on the syringe to draw in an amount of air that is equal to your insulin dose.
5. Inject air into the vial: Hold the syringe like a pencil and insert the needle into
the rubber stopper on the top of the vial. Push the plunger down until all of the
air is in the bottle. This helps to keep the right amount of pressure in the bottle
and makes it easier to draw up the insulin.
6. Draw up the insulin into the syringe: With the needle still in the vial, turn the
bottle and syringe upside down (vial above syringe). Pull the plunger to fill the
syringe to the desired amount.
7. Check the syringe for air bubbles: If you see any large bubbles, push the
plunger until the air is purged out of the syringe. Pull the plunger back down to
the desired dose.
8. Remove the needle from the bottle: Be careful to not let the needle touch
anything until you are ready to inject!

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INSULIN INJECTION TECHNIQUE FOR DIABETES—
Dr. Pranab Kumar Sahana (DM ENDOCRINOLOGY)
PREPARING A PEN DEVICE FOR INJECTION:
Check the pen: Ensure that it contains the proper type of insulin and contains
enough to cover your full dose. Also check to make sure that the expiration date
has not passed.
Gently stir intermediate or premixed insulin: Turn the pen on its side and roll it
between the palms of your hands. Clear (fast-acting, long-acting) insulin generally
does not need to be mixed.
Attach a fresh pen needle: Screw or click the needle securely in place according
to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove the cap(s) from the pen needle to
expose the needle.
Prime the pen: Pointing the needle up in the air, dial one or two units on the pen
and press the plunger fully with your thumb. Repeat until a drop appears.
Dial your dose: Turn the dial on the pen to your prescribed dose.
INSULIN STORAGE:
1. Insulin should be stored in a cool and dark place.
2. Unused pens and vials should be kept in the refrigerator at 4-8ºC. Open
insulin can be kept at room temperature (below 30ºC). Insulin should not
be kept in extreme temperatures (e.g. direct sunlight, kitchen, and top of
refrigerator or television, deep freeze).
3. In places where refrigerator is not available, insulin can be put in a plastic
bag and kept in a container filled with water.
4. During air travel insulin should be kept in the cabin.

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INSULIN INJECTION TECHNIQUE FOR DIABETES—
Dr. Pranab Kumar Sahana (DM ENDOCRINOLOGY)