I’ve said it before, and I will say it again: props to the people with diabetes who are courageously pricking and poking themselves every day. The simple sight of a needle is enough to paralyze my mind with fear so I can’t even begin to imagine what people with diabetes go through.
Hélas, since science has yet to discover the miracle cure for diabetes, I guess we just have to deal with what we currently own, right?
If you loathe jabbing yourself or suffer from needle phobia, allow me to clue you in on some of the best tips to lessen your burden.
# 1. The Right Technique
Technically, insulin injection should not cause any pain. If it does, you might be doing something wrong. Possible causes of pain include:
- Always injecting at the same site
- Reusing old needles
- Injecting cold insulin (pro-tip: leave it warm up at room temperature)
- Size of the needles (long needles may cause discomfort)
- Tensed muscles
- Significant amount of insulin
- Type of insulin
- Wrong techniques of injection
Whichever the case, speak with your healthcare professional if you experience any discomfort while injecting insulin. By eliminating the pain, the idea of probing yourself several times a day might not be as terrifying anymore.
# 2. Healthy Lifestyle
If your blood sugar levels are within normal range, you won’t need to poke yourself so often. Well-balanced meals and regular physical activity help to improve your glycemia and avoid blood sugar rollercoaster.
# 3. Create a Light Pressure
Injecting insulin into the arm can be tricky since it is hard to apply pressure to the injected arm using your free arm on like you normally would at other sites. Nevertheless, you can try to press your arm against a hard and stable surface, and inject the insulin. If you still hate to feel the sting, discuss with your doctor if it would be possible to change the injection site.
# 4. Distract Yourself
While this trick works best on children, adults can benefit from this as well. When injecting insulin, let your mind wander off to some faraway dreamland, all the while keeping your focus on applying the right injection technique.
# 5. Ice Cube or Cold Spoon
Avoid feeling pain by numbing the injection site. To do so, use an ice cube or a cold spoon and apply it onto the injection area. Cheap, easy, and efficient – just the way we like it.
# 6. Hide the Needle
If needles give you goosebumps and you are using a hypodermic needle, it’s time for a refresh. Insulin pens are the new kids in town and are easier to get acquainted with. Moreover, some pens even come with a shield for the pointy loose end of the needle that sticks out like a sore thumb. I love it when everything is catered to my needs.
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