Injection sites

[Alisha2]

I take insulin 5 times a day, morning and night long acting and the other three during the day are quick acting, my long acting insulin I take 160 units at each time, due to this high amount I have been told by the consultant that I have to split the dose into 3 - 4 sites as insulin is not as effective when more than 50 units are injected into the same spot, because I have to do this, I am now getting very painfull, red and swollen sites, does anyone have any suggestion as to how I can reduce this reaction, I am worried that I will get so many areas oversensitive that I wont have any sites available and then what do I do.

 

[Hobs]

My only suggestion that may help is to ask for a few of various sized shorter needles to try and then opt for the shortest that will deposit without any leakage upon withdrawal.
I believe that BD now produce their Extra Fine + needles as short as 4mm and are very thin/fine.

 

[Hobs]

As a considered after thought ... what about a pump?

As I'm T2 I do not know much about them but surely a pump would save all those separate stabbings.

 

[cugila]

I take insulin 5 times a day, morning and night long acting and the other three during the day are quick acting, my long acting insulin I take 160 units at each time, due to this high amount I have been told by the consultant that I have to split the dose into 3 - 4 sites as insulin is not as effective when more than 50 units are injected into the same spot, because I have to do this, I am now getting very painfull, red and swollen sites, does anyone have any suggestion as to how I can reduce this reaction, I am worried that I will get so many areas oversensitive that I wont have any sites available and then what do I do.

Alisha.
Here is some information about Tips for injecting Insulin whch may be of help to you in sorting the problem out.........

Skin Problems at Injection Sites
Skin irregularities can sometimes occur at injection sites due to changes in the subcutaneous fat, of which there are three types.

Fat hypertrophy (also known as "lipohypertrophy" or "insulin hypertrophy") appears as soft, often "grape-like" lumps at the injection sites. This unusual condition may be caused in some people by the natural effects of insulin (one of which is to cause fat to grow) or by reuse of needles. To prevent the further development of hypertrophy, rotate injection sites and don't reuse needles.

Fat atrophy (also known as "lipoatrophy") is a loss of fat under the skin's surface. This rare condition appears as a dip in the skin and has a firm texture. It occurs much more commonly with impure insulins.

Scarring of the fat (also known as "lipodystrophy") is caused when you inject too many times into the same site or when you reuse a needle. To prevent lipodystrophy:

Rotate your injection sites

Rotate where you inject within your injection sites

Rotate the sides (right, left) of your body where you inject within your injection sites

Always using a new syringe or pen needle with each injection

Some people find that it's less painful to inject into their lumps or dips (often referred to as "lipos") than it does to inject into healthy tissue. Even though it's tempting, you should never inject into lipos because insulin doesn't absorb well there; in fact, you may need to inject almost twice as much insulin into lipos as you would into healthy tissue to get the same results.

Lipos are often easier to feel than to see, so check your injection sites with your fingers frequently. If any unusual growths, textures, bumps, or indentations have formed, switch to another site and let your healthcare professional know about them.

Full information here:

http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/page.aspx ... 01&id=7265

 

[phoenix]

A pump isn't a good alternative as you would still have the absorption problems of large doses besides which the maximum reservoir size is 300u.
An alternative would be to use a stronger insulin. U500 is available in the UK on a named patient basis. As it is stronger not so much is needed for each injection and they are therefore not as painful. It might be worth discussing it with your specialist.
There is a paper ablout it's use here

http://www.leicestershirediabetes.org.u ... e%2009.pdf