Welcome to the last part of this series!
If you are a long-time insulin user, chances are you have been taught all of the facts mentioned in this series. However, a friendly reminder doesn’t hurt because let’s be real, memory can become rusty with time.
For this segment, I’m just going to keep it short and simple. Without dulling you with a long speech, here is a list of know-hows that insulin users, both long-time and new, are inclined to forget.
Insulin Storage
- Review the manufacturer’s instructions
- Avoid extreme temperature (cold/hot)
- Avoid placing the insulin under the sunlight
- Store unopened insulin in the fridge (temperature: 4°C – 8°C)
- Store used insulin at room temperature (15°C – 25°C) for up to one month (except for Levemir)
- Do not use frosty, crystallized insulin
- Never vigorously shake insulin to mix
- If the insulin is cloudy, gently roll the insulin between the palms of your hands ten times and tip ten times until a milky appearance become visible.
Injection Technique
- Rotate sites to avoid lipohypertrophy and other complications
- Inject with room temperature insulin instead of cold insulin (if you want to avoid pain!)
- Use a new needle every time
- Prime the needle
- Do not inject at hair root
- Inject the insulin at a right angle (90°)
- Gently inject the insulin and count to 10 before removing the needle
- Do not massage the injection site
On that note, I’m going to leave you with a Youtube video created by DiabetesCanada on how to properly inject insulin.
Cheers,
