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Hate injecting myself

Hervan

Member
Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I have a fear of needles and as a result i miss quite a few of my injections and end up with DKA i just feel like it is going to kill me and can note cope with it i have had diabetes for 4 years but really struggle been DKA twice in the past 3 weeks i just do not know what to do
 
I have moved your post to the Type1 board @Hervan.

Other type1s will be along soon to help and I am sure some of them had a fear of needles too.
 
Hi Hervan,

I notice from your profile you are prescribed Novomix 30. How many times a day are you advised to take this?
 
Jaylee said:
Hi Hervan,

I notice from your profile you are prescribed Novomix 30. How many times a day are you advised to take this?
Click to expand...
only twice aday but i still find it quite hard
 
Jaylee said:
Morning & evening yeah?

How do you get on with the blood testing??
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yes 40 units in the morning and same in the evening i try to test bloods twice aday manage it most days but often forget aswell and test keytones every other day
 
So your cool with a lancet device & drawing blood for your meter..?
 
Jaylee said:
So your cool with a lancet device & drawing blood for your meter..?
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it helps that i can not see the neele with the lancet i use the same disposable lancets they use in hospitals
 
Hi Hervan and welcome to the forum.

Its such a shame that your struggling with your fear of needles, I can only suggest that you talk this through with your diabetes team and see if they can help you overcome this or point you in the right direction.

Don't know if you know, but there's an inhaled insulin that is soon to be available in the UK and its called Afrezza, if you changed to it you would still need to inject a background insulin once a day but that would still be one less injection, here is a write up about Afrezza:

https://www.afrezza.com/
 
Hervan said:
it helps that i can not see the neele with the lancet i use the same disposable lancets they use in hospitals
Click to expand...

So the problem is "visual" regarding needle or lancet. As opposed to the action of injecting or pricking itself..?
Do you live in an environment with others that are needlephobic? Maybe non diabetic family members or partner/wife with an adversity to them..?
 
Where on the body are you injecting the insulin? Have you tried watching tv to distract you from looking at the pen?
 
Like iHs suggests.. Dial the dose and watch tv...

Do you drive?

These disposable lancets are they really the best for you as their is a great amount of reLly good ones to use...
 
It's just a thought, but unless you live alone, is there a family member, friend or flat mate that would be prepared to help out and inject for you until you've had time to get over your phobia? I'm on mixed insulin as well, although a much lower dose than you and I don't look forward to the twice daily 'jabs', but I know without them I'd be in hospital, which is a worse thought than the injections. As Noblehead has said, have a word with your diabetes team, you won't be the first person to have problems and you won't be the last. They will have heard it all before and I'm sure will be able to help.
 
You have 'Trypanophobia', lots of people have the fear of needles so your not on your own but it is irrational, there are some good hypnosis techniques out there or maybe self hypnosis may be the way and is cheaper. Keep calm when you inject, don't overreact. It really is no big deal. The key is you controlling your stress and changing the way you think about it. I'd start with some youtube clips and see how you get on. Find the technique that suits you as not all will. its something you are going to have to work on. It will get easier. gl.
 
Needle shields perhaps ?
Strong air jet instead of a needle to puncture your skin to deliver the insulin ?

Can you think of discussing this further with your DSN or GP ?
Am sure they will listen to you .

Rather than dissing your injections due to this fear .
You are too important to suffer like this .
You sound a really nice young man too .
 
i need to wait untill the 20th april to see my consultant but hopfully he will help i have the autoshield needles already but the shield is clear so i can see right through it
 
Could you cover the autoshield with your hand ?
Or someone possibly assist you ?
Then you cant see right through it .
As an option ?

I do hope the consultant can help you in 2 weeks of time .
You have a genuine needle fear .
You need your insulin daily and you need help to inject
with less fear factor also.
Its a shame to be so entrapped by this fear to hinder your confidence .
When needing to do your insulin regime .
 
I have a phobia of needles with good excuse. But now got type 1 ha e to do it or dead. Have been dka before and know all about it
 
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