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Injection sites?

Antje77

Antje77

Guru
Retired Moderator
Messages
21,207
Location
Friesland (the Netherlands)
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
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Is there a reason we should only inject in these places? I have a lot more skin and enough fattty tissue to use different spots.
 
There may be some argument regarding absorption rates etc but I personally didn't notice significant differences over all the recommended sites...

I would say inject wherever you can, within reason.....the recommendations don't need to be followed religiously....
 
As @novorapidboi26 says, it is absorption rates.
I restrict my injection sites to my midriff area. It is one of the few areas I can reach and pinch (never worked out how to inject in my upper arm) and has enough fat not to be painful. In emergencies I have used my legs but as I move them a lot, the insulin is absorbed much much faster.
 
Ktmpedro220 said:
I was told a while back not to inject in the buttocks. Can't remember why??
Click to expand...

I can't see why @Ktmpedro220 , on MDI I would inject my basal insulin in my bum, if you don't use your bum it's one less place to inject.

You should double-check with your DSN/Consultant if this advice was correct.
 
Ktmpedro220 said:
I was told a while back not to inject in the buttocks. Can't remember why??
Click to expand...
You may have been advised not to inject bolus insulin in your buttocks as absorption can be slow. As @noblehead points out you should have no problem injecting basal insulin in your buttocks.
 
Regardless of absorption, we shouldn't be sticking to specific sites for particular insulin's....we should always be moving around....

Unless you see a significant difference in absorption which is unmanageable then anywhere in the upper thighs, upper arm, stomach and buttocks should be used in rotation...
 
Generally speaking I inject in one of two places depending on what I have planned for the day ahead. If I'm not doing a lot in terms of exercise then I inject in my legs, as the absorption rate is higher. If I'm going to the gym or on a bike ride (as I do 3 times a week, covering 30 miles a week), I inject in my belly as the absorption rate is lower. There are occasions where I break these two rules, such as when I need my BG levels to drop quicker. I've never been able to inject in my arms as I am unable to pinch the skin and inject with one hand, as for the buttocks I can say I've had the need to, as I also rotate between legs and area on my belly.
 
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