Injection sites

[pshawfocus]

30 years type 1, v well controlled on Novomix 30, twice a day.

For years I've switched my injection sites between my calves, thighs and the tops of my arms but a friend mentioned she knows someone who injects into their bum. I can't recall any of my docs / nurses ever saying that was a suitable site? Presumably it would have an impact on the disbursement rate? Does it depend on the type of insulin being used?


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[noblehead]

Yes you can use your bum, the absorption rate is slower than the legs, arms & stomach but that doesn't mean to say you can't use the area.

On MDI I would use my bum and legs for my basal dose and arms and stomach for my bolus doses, have a look at the following which shows you where to inject in the bum:

http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/page.aspx?cat=7001&id=7261

 

[Robinredbreast]

I too use my bottom for my night time levemir, for many years now, it's a good site to use.

 

[catapillar]

I often use my bum for my basal & I will also inject my bolus there if I'm eating something like pizza/lasagne and I want half my bolus now (so it gets injected in tummy) & half later, when the fatty cheese has been digested and allows the carbs out (so it gets injected in bum or thighs).

 

[pinewood]

Completely agree with @catapillar.

I use my bum or the upper side/back of thigh for my daily Lantus shot and also use it for bolus shots if I am looking for a slow release; e.g. if I'm going to bed on a higher number than I'd like due to a high-fat meal and want to keep some active insulin ticking over for a few hours.

 

[pshawfocus]

So potentially the short acting insulin in my Novomix will have a slower onset so I should be aware of that before switching sites. Thanks all.


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[noblehead]

So potentially the short acting insulin in my Novomix will have a slower onset so I should be aware of that before switching sites. Thanks all.

Insulin works fastest in the stomach, arms, legs and bum in that order I believe, obviously this doesn't take into consideration injection site issues like lipohypertrophy.

 

[candi-girl]

i've found no difference in times of onset when i've used my bum.
bum/leg/arm seem about the same. maybe a tad quicker in the tummy.