Insulin can be supplied by injections subcutaneously in the places with a greater amount of fat. The best areas are the abdomen, the back of upper arms, the front area of thighs and the upper third of buttocks. We do not repeat the injection in the same site within a short period of time. It is recommended to divide the area into a kind of a network and to apply each next dose of insulin a few centimetres further down and, when the lower part of the abdomen is reached, to start once more in the upper part a few centimitres to the side. We do not apply insulin in places that are inflamed or otherwise painful.
It is necessary to bear in mind that the speed with which insulin is absorbed depends on the part of the body where it is applied (the fastest in the abdomen, then in the arms and the buttocks, the slowest from the thighs). It may, however, be dramatically changed in relation to the muscle load in the appropriate part (especially in the arms, thighs or buttocks the absorption is slightly faster, this may apply also to the abdomen). Therefore, the application of insulin in the arms and thighs is not recommended prior to doing sports. It is suitable to apply insulin in one area for a certain period of time and to another one after a few days. This ensures a certain stability in the speed with which insulin is absorbed.
How to procede when applying insulin (a syringe or an insulin pen):
1. pinch the skin (this will secure that insulin will be applied only subcutaneously and not in the muscle),
2. hold the needle so that it forms a right angle with the body surface and insert it,
3. apply the appropriate insulin dose,
4. take the needle out.
Note:
- When you take out the needle and insulin starts coming out of the place where the needle was inserted, it is recommended to leave the needle in the skin longer, for 5 – 15 seconds so that the insulin gets better dispersed in the area.
- when you take the needle out, there may occur a drop of blood. It is a result of only a slight damage to the capillaries. There is no reason for anxiety. Just wipe the drop and the bleeding will stop itself.
The application devices:
An insulin syringe
A syringe which is produced exclusively for the application of insulin with a scale enabling a quick orientation and bringing confidence with regard to the right applied dosage.
An insulin pen
A device using specially packed insulin. The advantage is in its easy manipulation, discretion and the dose accuracy.
An insulin pump
An insulin pump is a modern device for the application of insulin when approximately a half of the daily amount of insulin is provided by the pump automatically, following a pre-programmed schedule. A patient applies the remaining amount of insulin before meals as has so far been done. The advantage of an insulin pump consists in a more even glycemia level. The pump is used in the treatment of patients with unpredictable glycemia variations, frequent hypoglycemia or of those with an irregular regimen in their lives due to their work. The pump is also used by the diabetics engaged in intensive sports activities. The pump is filled with short-acting insulins or their analogues.