Diabetes Care: How to Inject Insulin with a Syringe

Summary

This video guides you through the proper insulin injection technique, essential for managing diabetes. It covers key steps including preparing your syringe and insulin, checking the insulin's appearance, drawing up the correct dose, and injecting it into your body with confidence. Key tips include rotating injection sites, ensuring no air bubbles in the syringe, and proper disposal of used needles. Whether you're new to injections or need a refresher, this video provides a clear, step-by-step demonstration to help ensure better glucose control and effective diabetes management.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper insulin injection technique is crucial for managing diabetes effectively, whether you’re new or experienced with injections.
• 😀 Always follow your doctor’s instructions for the syringe type and insulin dosage, as these may vary from person to person.
• 😀 Before starting, gather all necessary supplies: syringe, insulin, alcohol swabs, and a Sharps container.
• 😀 Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the syringe and insulin to ensure cleanliness and reduce the risk of infection.
• 😀 Familiarize yourself with the syringe parts: the barrel, plunger, and needle. The barrel is marked to measure your insulin dose.
• 😀 Always check the insulin for any abnormalities, such as lumps, crystals, or discoloration, before using it.
• 😀 If using cloudy insulin, gently roll the bottle between your hands to mix it—never shake it, as this could damage the insulin or create air bubbles.
• 😀 Inject air into the insulin bottle equal to the dose you need. This step makes it easier to draw insulin into the syringe.
• 😀 Draw insulin slowly to avoid air bubbles. If bubbles appear, push the insulin back into the bottle and redraw.
• 😀 Rotate injection sites regularly to reduce the risk of tissue damage. Clean the area with alcohol before injecting and allow it to air dry.

Q & A

What are the essential supplies needed for an insulin injection?

The essential supplies include an insulin syringe, a bottle of insulin, two alcohol swabs, and a Sharps container. Additionally, you’ll need a flat surface to organize your materials.

Why is it important to inspect the insulin before using it?

Inspecting the insulin ensures it is safe to use. You should check for any lumps, crystals, or discoloration, which may indicate the insulin is spoiled. If any issues are detected, discard the insulin and use a new bottle.

What is the purpose of injecting air into the insulin bottle before drawing insulin?

Injecting air into the bottle helps equalize the pressure inside, making it easier to withdraw insulin into the syringe without creating a vacuum in the bottle.

What should you do if you see air bubbles in the syringe after drawing insulin?

If air bubbles are present, you should slowly push the plunger to return the insulin to the bottle and then redraw it more slowly to prevent air bubbles from remaining in the syringe.

How should you hold the syringe when drawing insulin from the bottle?

You should hold the syringe like a pencil with your dominant hand and the insulin bottle in your other hand, ensuring that the needle tip is below the level of insulin in the bottle when drawing.

Why is it important to rotate injection sites?

Rotating injection sites helps prevent irritation or tissue damage and ensures that the insulin is absorbed properly. It’s recommended to change the injection site by a finger's width with each injection and switch to a new site every week.

How should you clean the skin before injecting insulin?

Use an alcohol swab to clean the skin in a circular motion starting from the center of the site. Make sure the alcohol dries completely before injecting to avoid stinging.

What angle should you use to inject insulin into the skin?

You should insert the needle straight in at a 90° angle for most individuals. If you are very thin, you may need to inject at a 45° angle. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.

What should you do after injecting the insulin?

After injecting the insulin, release the pinch on the skin, slowly remove the needle, and dispose of the syringe and needle properly in a Sharps container. Do not reuse needles.

What are the key steps to avoid while drawing insulin to ensure accuracy?

To ensure accuracy, avoid pulling the plunger too quickly when drawing insulin, as this can create air bubbles. Additionally, make sure the needle tip is below the insulin level and draw the insulin slowly to prevent bubbles.