Give insulin injections Insulin Syringes.. Syringes, needles, and insulin bottles, alcoholic disinfectants

Give insulin injections Insulin Syringes:

A large international survey of more than 13,000 patients treated with insulin shows the frequency of poor injection techniques and the use of needles that are too long. these poor practices are likely to lead to the occurrence of lipodystrophies. these abnormalities of the subcutaneous tissue can promote the occurrence of hypoglycaemia.

This shows the interest of the work of a group of experts, from three continents, who relied on nearly 300 publications to update recommendations on good injection practices.

We have extracted some data useful in daily practice for patients and caregivers.

What needle length?

The 4 mm needles are long enough to reach the subcutaneous tissues, with a minimal risk of intramuscular injection (likely to modify the absorption of insulin) and this regardless of age and possible overweight. They are therefore recommended

Fold or not?

The needle must be inserted perpendicular to the skin but, in children under 6 years old and in very thin adults, a fold can be made.

Which injection areas?

The following sites are recommended: abdomen, thighs, buttocks, upper arms. In pregnant women, the abdomen can be used, with a fold from the second trimester. Never inject into a site where there are lipodystrophies or skin lesions.

Disinfect or not?

As a general rule, it is not necessary to disinfect. Experts recommend disinfecting if the injection site is not clean and when the injection is performed in a hospital setting or in an EHPAD (Accommodation Establishment for Dependent Elderly People).

What rotation of injection sites?

The rotation of injection sites must be systematic; insulin should not be injected within 1 cm of the previous sites. The healthcare professional should provide patients with an appropriate rotation scheme. For insulin analogues, the sites are all equivalent in terms of resorption.

Reusing needles?

Experts advise against the reuse of needles which could be associated with an increased risk of lipodystrophy. share a pen with another patient? This practice is formally contraindicated due to the risk of infection.

All these good practices constitute the “hard core” of therapeutic education on insulin injection. Learning to detect lipodystrophies is also part of it; when an insulin suspension (cloudy when solutions are clear), such as NPH or "mixes" is used, homogenization (by shaking the pen) and resorption differences, depending on the site of infection, are also part of this hard core.

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Bottle of insulin-specific information.. Concentration and type of insulin and expiry date

Bottle of insulin-specific information

The price of insulin and its impact on life and early death (mostly reported in the United States) have become daily topics of discussion on social media around the world for people with type 1 diabetes and type 2. Social media posts often demonstrate awareness raising efforts and/or peer support or interest from country to country (price comparison). The insulin affordability crisis on social media also includes discussions of 'insulin expiration', 'when to throw away' insulin, 'insulin storage' as a countermeasure against supply issues (including price) and donating insulin pens or vials to people in need. How insulin storage, use, and shelf life affect your safety, however, has not been examined.

There is a greater need than ever to increase public awareness that insulin storage/shelf life is an important variable in blood glucose management. Expiration dates on the bottles should be taken very seriously. Injecting insulin that has passed its expiry date poses a risk. Living with diabetes requires being vigilant in many ways, including identifying degraded or expired insulin. Insulin that is no longer effective carries a high risk, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hospitalization.

Here are some general rules to follow for your well-being and safety:

• When not in use, insulin should be stored safely in the refrigerator at 2-8°C.

• All types of insulin are affected by very cold or very hot temperatures, as well as direct sunlight. Never store insulin in a freezer or car (or in a suitcase checked in for air travel). If you have any doubt, throw it away.

• Check the expiration date. If exceeded, do not use insulin.

• Once you need to use the insulin (pen or vial with injection device or pump), it can stay at room temperature (up to 30°C) for the number of days you use it. Write down the date you open the bottle (the shelf life of the different types of insulin is shown below).

• The pumps are subject to the same constraints as above (do not leave the device in the car and do not expose it to heat or freezing). You must change the pump site every 3 days using the new insulin, but the same rules apply.

• If you are using a pen, keep it refrigerated until you start using it. Then leave it at room temperature (up to 30°C). Vials can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator until finished.

• Keep in mind that refrigerator temperature fluctuates. If you think your fridge temperature is too cold, check it with a thermometer and take action.

• When picking up your prescribed insulin, do not accept insulin that is past or very close to its expiry date. Ask for insulin with a later expiry date. also check that the insulin has been properly stored and refrigerated.

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