Injection technique

Giving injections, either to yourself or to your child will seem very worrying at first. Remember you are not alone, your Diabetes Nurse or a member of the ward team will be there with you at first until you feel you can manage this without their help. By using the following guidelines every time, this will soon become part of your daily routine.
Check that the insulin you are to use has not passed its expiry date. Once insulin is in use, it lasts for six weeks and may be stored at room temperature. Unopened insulin must be stored in the fridge. Ensure that you give the injection in accordance with the insulin type and the manufacturer's instructions, (e.g. some insulin should be given 30 minutes before food whilst other insulins can be given immediately before or with food). Your Diabetes Nurse will advise you on what you should do. Ensure that the insulin is mixed by gently rocking backwards and forwards about 20 times (refer to manufacturer's instructions if you are unsure). Decide where you are going to inject.
Think about the following points: - It is important to move around the area and to change sites as fatty lumps can develop if you keep using the same area. These lumps can affect the absorption of the insulin and increase the HbA1c. You can inject into upper arms, thighs, buttocks and abdomen. Are you/is your child going running or playing football straight away? If so, it is a good idea to avoid injecting in the legs as it may be absorbed very quickly. Use the arm or abdomen instead. Main Injection Site
Attach a new pen needle if using an insulin pen. Using a syringe is slightly different. The ward nurse or your Diabetes Nurse will show you how to use syringes. Perform a safety shot, i.e. dial up 2 units on your pen and inject upwards into the air to ensure the insulin is at the end of the needle and no air bubbles are present. This may need to be repeated if the cartridge is new or if there have been changes in the room temperature. Dial up the correct dose for your insulin injection. Lift up the area of skin to ensure that this is a subcutaneous injection. If you inject into muscle, the insulin is absorbed too quickly and will hurt more. Correct lifted skin fold Incorrect lifted skin fold Inject at 90 degree angle and depress the plunger at a slow steady rate. When the plunger has been fully pressed, wait a full 10 seconds before removing the needle, then release the lifted skin fold. Reassure and praise your child (and/or yourself) Dispose of your sharps as advised by your Diabetes Team. Always remove your needle after every injection. Most pen needles are 6mm long. 5mm and 8mm needles are also available. Your Diabetes Nurse will help you through this and will be able to advise you in the first few days following diagnosis.

Disclaimer

This website is designed for use by the Leeds Paediatric Diabetes Team and children and parents referred to their service. Every effort has been made to make sure there are no errors on the website. If you think there are any inaccuracies could you please e-mail us so that we can check. kate.barker@leedsth.nhs.uk