If you need to inject insulin, doing it properly is one the most important things you can do to ensure your good health today and in the future. However, injecting insulin can have its challenges.
Difficulty reading your syringe or pen dose can lead to dosing errors. Complex dosing schedules can also make it difficult to keep track of the insulin that has been given. Active lifestyles can make insulin injections inconvenient or embarrassing when out in public.
Not getting enough insulin can cause serious complications over time, including damage to your eyes, nerves, kidneys, and other parts of your body. Taking too much insulin can result in a medical emergency that can be life-threatening.
If you sometimes find yourself being unsure or uncomfortable when injecting insulin there is help available. Consider these simple solutions to some challenges that people have with taking insulin:
Reading those tiny numbers
Struggling to see the numbers on your syringe or insulin pen? Tiny numbers can lead to big headaches, and even dosing errors. Some insulin pens and syringes have very small numbers that can be difficult to read even for people with perfect vision.
The solution? Try an insulin pen with an easy-to-read display. They are easier on the eyes and may even reduce the risk of over or under-dosing.
Dosing dilemmas
An insulin pen provides an easy way to get the dose of insulin you need and may help you avoid the hazards of giving yourself the wrong dose. Simply turn the dial on the pen to select the dose you need, and then use the pen to inject the insulin.
Newer insulin pens allow you to dial back the dosage if you've dialed too much. This means less insulin wastage and greater convenience. Some people find it helpful to use different insulin pens for each type of insulin they need.
Keeping track of doses
Trying to remember if you gave yourself your last dose of insulin? Some people have complex insulin dosing schedules. They may need to take multiple types of insulin at the same time and only one type of insulin at another time. Whether you have a complicated dosing schedule or a busy life, it can be hard to keep track. This can lead to missing doses or accidentally double-dosing, both of which have serious results. Some new insulin pens have a digital display that confirms the date and amount of your last injection. By simply pushing a button, the display allows you to review the last 16 doses including priming doses. An insulin pen with dose memory may give you the confidence and reassurance you need to manage your insulin therapy.
Fitting insulin injections into your active lifestyle
When you're on the go, it can be hard to fit in your insulin injections, especially if you need to tote around bulky vials and injection equipment. If this describes you, there is a new compact prefilled insulin pen available that could make taking insulin a lot more convenient. This small, lightweight and portable pen may suit your active lifestyle.
Feeling embarrassed about injecting in public
When you're out for dinner, do you retreat to the washroom to inject your insulin? Or maybe inject under the table? If so, you're not alone. Many people report feeling a bit embarrassed about injecting insulin in public. There are a few things you can do to get more comfortable:
- Remember that using insulin is a medical need and is nothing to be ashamed of. Over time, you'll likely get more comfortable with the process.
- If you're concerned about what people may say, think in advance of how you'll respond to their comments. That way you can feel more prepared. You can also look at it as a chance to educate others.
- Consider using an insulin pen. There are many products available that are elegant and discreet. There are pens that have a stylish design that resembles a fine writing instrument - not a medical instrument. Pens offer a solution when you want to give your insulin discreetly.
There are a range of insulin pen options available that can make insulin injections easier. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about new insulin pens including HumaPen® Luxura™, HumaPen® Memoir™, and Humalog KwikPen™. For information on HumaPen® insulin pens, please visit www.mylillypen.com.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Making-Insulin-Injections-Easier