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4 Tips to Pick Out the Best Insulin Pen

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4 Tips to Pick Out the Best Insulin Pen

We got you covered when it comes to choosing the best glucometer; now, it’s time to shop for the most suitable insulin pen.

If you are still using syringes and vials, it might be time for an upgrade. Insulin pens are small, compact all-in-one insulin injectors that can easily fit in your handbag or the pocket of your jacket.

What’s an Insulin Pen?

An insulin pen contains both the needle and the cartridge. There are two types of insulin pen: disposable and reusable. The disposable insulin pen comes with preloaded insulin and is stored in the fridge. After the first usage, you may store it at room temperature. Once the insulin runs out, the pen can be thrown away. In contrast, reusable insulin pens require you to purchase insulin cartridges separately and insert them yourself. Note that, while the cartridges can be safely stored in the fridge prior usage, the pen should never be kept in there. Before each injection, a single-use needle is inserted.

Since companies that manufacture insulin also offer their line-up of insulin pen, the brand of pen you choose will depend on the type of insulin prescribed for you.




4 Shopping Tips

#1. Disposable or Reusable?

Other than convenience, another determinant factor that is likely to influence your choice is cost. Because the insurance coverage varies from one company to another, talk to a representative and do the math.

#2. Amount of Insulin

The amount of insulin that can be loaded into the pen varies, ranging from 21 to 80 units. Contrary to other pens, some insulin pens allow half a unit injections as well, which may be needed for children.

#3. Color Choices

Brands may offer different colors to avoid you from getting confused between long- and fast-acting insulin. After all, you don’t want to be running the risk of hypoglycemia because you mistakenly shot yourself with fast-acting instead of long-acting insulin.

#4. Special Features

Here are some gimmicky features that might be of interest:

  • Display the last injected dose
  • Different texture design to easily differentiate insulin pen from each other
  • Audio function to notify you when the dose has been correctly delivered
References

Diabetes Forecast. URL #1; URL #2. Accessed February 7, 2017.

Diabète Québec. URL Link. Accessed February 7, 2017.