Diabetes: Insulin Injection

Summary

The primary treatment for diabetes is often giving the body more insulin. There are different types of insulin, including short-acting, or regular, intermediate-acting or NPH, lente, and long-acting, or ultralente. The short-acting and longer acting types are often combined in a single dose. Insulin is injected under the skin of the thigh, arm, or abdomen. These shots may be done from 1 to 4 or more times a day. Here's how to give yourself an insulin shot: * Clean the skin where you'll give yourself the shot with an alcohol swab. * Gently pinch the skin and then insert the needle at a 45 degree angle. * Gently and steadily push down on the plunger to inject all the solution under the skin. * Withdraw the needle and syringe. Use the alcohol swab to press down on the area where you gave yourself the shot. Anyone using insulin to lower their blood sugar must also be sure to follow their healthcare provider's directions for checking their blood sugar.