Choice Of Insulin Injection Device

The quality of your diabetes treatment depends on your choice of an insulin injection device as well as on your insulin. Over the years, new insulin devices have been developed to improve convenience and to obtain an accurate dose of insulin. The new devices are easier to use than syringes. You should take your insulin dose at the time that is right for you - no matter where you are. Improved insulin devices have made following an intensified treatment program much easier than it was in the past.

Choice Of Insulin Injection Device

Your diabetes care team can help you choose an insulin device that meets your needs. They will teach you how to use it.

This article covers the following choices of insulin injection device:

• Insulin doser with cartridge.
• Insulin pen with cartridge.
• Pre-filled insulin syringe.
• Automatic needle insertion device.
• Syringes and insulin bottles.
• Insulin pump.

Insulin doser with cartridge.

The insulin doser is a new compact insulin device. It is accurate and easy to use. The insulin doser has a memory that remembers time and size of your previous dose of insulin. It is used with a cartridge that contains insulin for several injections. The cartridge is very easy to replace when it is empty. A new needle is attached before each injection and discarded after use. Cartridges come in all common types of insulin.

Insulin pen with cartridge.

The insulin pen is a durable device that can be used for years to inject insulin. It looks something like a fountain pen. The insulin pen is accurate and easy to use. It is filled with a cartridge of insulin that contains insulin for several injections. A new needle is attached before each injection, and is discarded after use. The cartridge is replaced when it is empty. Cartridges are available for all common types of insulin.

Pre-filled insulin syringe.

A pre-filled syringe is a simple injection device that combines insulin and syringe in one unit. The syringe is disposable, but holds insulin for several days. It is easier to prepare the injection and to obtain an accurate dose of insulin with a pre-filled syringe than with a normal syringe. A new needle is attached before each injection. The needle is discarded after use. Pre-filled syringes are available for all common types of human insulin, including pre-mixed insulins.

Automatic needle insertion device.

The automatic needle insertion device is an accessory designed for a durable insulin pen. It helps to insert the needle, and makes injections quick and easy. The device is held against the injection site. The needle will automatically enter the skin when a button is pressed.

Syringes and insulin bottles.

Syringes come with a permanently attached needle. Syringes are disposable and are discarded after use. With the syringe, you withdraw insulin from a bottle before giving yourself the injection. It is important to use only syringes that match the strength of your insulin. It can be difficult to obtain an accurate dose of insulin with a syringe. This is especially true if your dose is small or if you take more than one type of insulin.

If you find using syringes and insulin bottles difficult, ask your diabetes care team about pre-filled syringes, insulin pens and the insulin doser. They are all more convenient and easier to use.

Insulin pump.

An insulin pump delivers a continuous flow of short-acting insulin for 24 hours a day. It is about the size of a pack of playing cards or a beeper. The device is worn on the belt or inside a pocket. A thin plastic tube carries insulin from the pump to a flexible needle that is placed into the fat just below the skin on the abdomen. You adjust the pump to give extra insulin before each meal. The pump can automatically change the rate at which insulin is given to avoid hypoglycemia in the middle of the night. The aim of using an insulin pump is to copy the insulin pattern of people without diabetes as closely as possible.

Ketoacidosis is possible if the pump becomes disconnected without the user being aware of the malfunction. It is important that pump users check their blood sugar frequently to make adjustments in the insulin doses that are given.