- Messages
- 53
- Type of diabetes
- Treatment type
- Other
I have been on insulin for a few weeks. I have listened to the advice from my doc and read quite a bit both here and elsewhere about injection techniques. I would appreciate any comments on my procedure.
I am using the Humulin N Kwik Pen.
Does anyone have any comments or suggestions?
I am especially interested in the pen priming. I was told to set the pen to "2" and inject into the air to prime the pen. That's whjat I have been doing, but it seems like a waste. This stuff is expensive!
I am using the Humulin N Kwik Pen.
- Wash the injection area with alcohol.
- Remove the pen cap and dip the tip in alcohol.
- Gently roll the pen between my hands 10 times then gently rotate the tip up and down 10 times to thoroughly mix the contents.
- Prime the pen. I have found with my pen that a setting of “1” produces a few droplets, even if done repeatedly. A setting of “2” produces a strong stream, which seems like a waste. Therefore, my plan is to not prime and then set the pen at 1 unit above the recommended dosage.
- Gently pinch the skin to thicken the fat layer and decrease the chances of injecting into muscle.
- When doing the injection, do not push the base of the needle into the skin to decrease the chances of injecting into muscle.
- Attach the needle, complete the injection, and immediately remove the needle and discard. While the needle is attached, air can get into the chamber, which can reduce the accuracy of the dosage.
- Wash the injection area with alcohol.
Does anyone have any comments or suggestions?
I am especially interested in the pen priming. I was told to set the pen to "2" and inject into the air to prime the pen. That's whjat I have been doing, but it seems like a waste. This stuff is expensive!