Insulin Pen Injection

The material contained in this video presentation provides general information on the management of diabetes. This information is for reference purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. For specific information and recommendations based on your health condition, please consult your medical provider. 

Hello, my name is Annette McClenaghan, registered nurse and certified diabetes care and education specialist here with Lee Health. Here to talk to you today about insulin pen injection. About insulin. There are many kinds of insulin and your doctor will decide what insulin type, amount, and injection times are best for you. Sometimes people feel a little nervous or anxious about taking insulin injections, but with a little practice, you'll see it only takes a few seconds to do and it can be rather easy. 

Supplies needed, you'll need your insulin pen, a new pen, needle, alcohol swabs, and your sharps container insulin pen injection. Before preparing your insulin pen, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water. Preparing the insulin pen, check the label and color of the insulin pen. Once you remove the outer pen cap, check your insulin for clarity. There should be no crystals or sediment in the insulin, and it should be clear unless you are prescribed a cloudy insulin. Confirm the name of the insulin on your insulin pen. 

Check the expiration date. Do not use insulin after the expiration date. If you are using cloudy insulin, mix the insulin by rolling it between your hands 15 to 20 times. Never shake an insulin pen. Remove the pen cap, clean the rubber stopper with alcohol. Obtain a new pen, needle and remove the tab from the new pen needle. Place the pen needle on the pen and screw clockwise to tighten. Remove the larger outer cap and also remove the smaller second cap. Check the flow of insulin. Dial the dose knob to two units. Place in an upright position and perform a two unit air shot into the air prior to every injection. 

This is a manufacturer's recommendation to make sure you receive the correct dose of insulin. Confirm the dosing window is at zero. After completing the two unit air shot, prime the pen needle with every injection to ensure the correct dose of insulin is received. When performing the air shot, visualize insulin coming from the pen, needle tip. This confirms success and the pen needle is primed. If no insulin was visualized when performing the air shot, repeat the process. After repeating the process, if no insulin was visualized for a second time, change the pen needle and start again. Choosing an injection site, insulin is injected into the fatty tissue. The approved areas for insulin injection are illustrated in dark green. Insulin is most rapidly absorbed in the stomach or abdominal area. 

When choosing the stomach area, you must make sure that the injection is at least two inches away from the belly button. You can also use the outer thigh, the outer upper part of the arm, the buttocks. Again, make sure that injecting insulin is done in the fatty tissue no matter what site you use. Avoid injecting within two inches of a scar. You also want to rotate sites. Never continue to inject insulin in the same site repeatedly. Insulin pen injection, clean insulin injection site with alcohol, and allow the area to dry. Dial the insulin pen to the prescribed dose. 

Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle. The dosing window should be visible. Press down on the pen dose knob to inject, and the dose window should return to zero. Hold and count for 10 seconds. Pull the needle straight out of the skin. Always avoid injecting cold insulin as that can burn or be uncomfortable. Injecting insulin at room temperature is best for comfort. Sharps disposal. Using the outer cap, remove the pen needle by turning counterclockwise and dispose of the pen needle in an approved sharps container. 

Always replace the pen lid or pen cap. Never leave an insulin pen open to air. We only use a pen needle once and discard that avoids bruising, increased pain, and a potential risk for infection at the injection site. You can check with your local pharmacy or your local county office regarding sharps disposal in your county. Insulin storage, unused insulin pens should be stored in the refrigerator. Pens in use can be stored at room temperature. 

Check the manufacturer information for insulin expiration time once the pen is in use. Once you open an insulin pen, the expiration date changes. Mark your pen with that new expiration date. Using insulin after that expiration date may be less effective. It is important to read all the information on the packaging and speak with your healthcare provider about when your insulin expires. After opening, do not freeze insulin. Also, do not keep insulin in a hot place or direct sunlight. When insulin freezes or is warmer than 86 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 degrees Celsius, it can ruin the effectiveness of the insulin. 

This video provided a brief overview of insulin pen injection. To learn more or obtain support, please reach out to work with a certified diabetes care and education specialist. Thank you.