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Needle Length?

phyphen

phyphen

Newbie
I've been using 8mm 31G insulin pen needles for years, but I recently became aware that you can get 6mm and 4mm length needles - are there any issues or restrictions to using these shorter needles?

I can see that a shorter needle would be more comfortable, but are there issues with insulin leaking from the injection site when using these shorter needles?

Is there an optimum/threshold dose above which you shouldn't use a particular needle length?

Thanks,
 
Speaking with my consultant last time around, he was more concerned about length of time that I had been injecting and state of my injection sites than anything else. Essentially, he suggested that the 8mm needles were the ones I should continue to use as they are long enough to get through and under the areas where there may be absorption issues.

The other point to bear in mind is the amount of body fat that you have. Typically, people with higher body fat are recommended to use longer needles, for better insulin delivery.

It's not really about whether a shorter needle will leak.
 
I use the 5mm needle length .
Have both 4mm and the 5mm .

Can only inject into my tummy as rest of me is tiny .
Will hit pure muscle otherwise .
So tummy is my 'only' option .

Find counting off a full 10 - 15 ensures all insulin is in .
No leakages happens this way and style .
 
anna29 said:
Find counting off a full 10 - 15 ensures all insulin is in .
No leakages happens this way and style .
Click to expand...
I agree with this.

Needle length choice depends on where you inject and how much fat vs muscle you have at that site. It's for comfort. I would say switch to a shorter needle if injections hurt, otherwise no need.
 
There is still always a drop hanging on the end of my needle though ;):)
Rest I get all of it into my belly ...
(Subtaneous fat layer wall) .
 
anna29 said:
There is still always a drop hanging on the end of my needle though ;):)
Rest I get all of it into my belly ...
(Subtaneous fat layer wall) .
Click to expand...

You'll always get a drop of insulin at the end of the needle no matter how long you leave it the skin, its perfectly normal.
 
Don't forget you prime the needle before injecting (airshot) so your not losing any insulin from the dose you've dialled up.
 
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