Do insulin injections hurt?
Does injecting insulin hurt? Needle technology for insulin injection has become much better in recent years, meaning that the injection process, although not pain-free, does not hurt as much as it used to. Many patients still find injecting insulin to manage their diabetes an unpleasant process, however.
How many times insulin can be taken in a day?
Most people who have diabetes and take insulin need at least 2 insulin shots a day for good blood sugar control. Some people need 3 or 4 shots a day.
When should insulin be injected?
Timing. Insulin shots are most effective when you take them so that insulin goes to work when glucose from your food starts to enter your blood. For example, regular insulin works best if you take it 30 minutes before you eat.
Should you pinch the skin when injecting insulin?
Insulin shots should go into a fatty layer of your skin (called “subcutaneous” or “SC” tissue). Put the needle straight in at a 90-degree angle. You do not have to pinch up the skin unless you are using a longer needle (6.8 to 12.7 mm). Small children or very thin adults may need to inject at a 45-degree angle.
How long does it take for an insulin shot to work?
Rapid-acting insulin starts to work within 30 minutes after injection. Its effects only last 2 to 3 hours. Regular- or short-acting insulin takes about 30 minutes to work and lasts for about 3 to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting insulin takes up to 4 hours to work fully.
What is the best time to take your insulin injection?
Insulin shots are most effective when you take them so that insulin goes to work when glucose from your food starts to enter your blood. For example, regular insulin works best if you take it 30 minutes before you eat.
How do you give Yourself insulin?
Giving Yourself Insulin Using a Syringe Gather your supplies. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Inspect your insulin. Fill the syringe. Avoid putting more than one type of insulin in a single syringe. Give your injection. Pinch the skin. Inject your dose using a quick dart-like motion.
What is the insulin injection site?
The most common site for injecting insulin is the stomach or abdomen. Other common areas include the upper part of the arms, the upper aspect of the hips or buttocks, and the outer aspect of the thighs.
What is the name of the insulin pen?
Rapid-Action Insulin Brand names: Levemir FlexPen and NovoLog Flexpen are two commonly prescribed rapid action insulins. Brand name: Humalog Pen ( insulin lispro ) Brand name: Apidra (insulin glulisine) Intermediate-Action Insulin Brand name: Novolin N and Humulin N Pen (insulin isophane) are two intermediate-action insulins your doctor may prescribe.