Injection sites?

[Antje77]

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.

 

[novorapidboi26]

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....

 

[Deleted Account]

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]

I was told a while back not to inject in the buttocks. Can't remember why??

 

[noblehead]

I was told a while back not to inject in the buttocks. Can't remember why??

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]

Yeah I think I will.

 

[therower]

I was told a while back not to inject in the buttocks. Can't remember why??

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.

 

[novorapidboi26]

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...

 

[TdjClarke95]

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.