| Instead of fumbling around with syringes and bottles | | | | First, find a good injection site. There are several |
| of insulin, you can fumble around with an insulin pen. | | | | candidates including the abdominal area, thighs, |
| Just kidding. An insulin pen - sometimes called a pen | | | | buttocks, the area of the back just above your |
| syringe, injection pen or simply, pen - can be a more | | | | waist, your leg or upper arm. Try to stay at least an |
| accurate and convenient delivery system of insulin | | | | inch away from the previous spot and two inches |
| into your bloodstream. | | | | away from your navel or any scars. Also be careful |
| Pens are quite popular among diabetics. An insulin pen | | | | not to use areas that are swollen, bruised or tender. |
| looks remarkably like a writing pen, only larger. It | | | | Some people first clean the injection site with an |
| consists of a cartridge, a teensy-tiny needle and a | | | | alcohol pad or a cotton ball dabbed with alcohol. I |
| dosage dial. The insulin cartridge may need to be | | | | don't do this. The alcohol tends to make the injection |
| replaced from time to time, while the pen needles | | | | sting. I haven't developed any infections from this |
| are entirely disposable. | | | | omission, but this is up to you - with your doctor's |
| Types of Insulin Pens | | | | knowledge, of course. |
| You have a variety of options from the several | | | | Now remove the cover from the pen. Make sure |
| manufacturers of insulin pens. Pre-filled pens are | | | | there's enough insulin for the dose. Also make sure |
| usually recommended for type 2 diabetics. They are | | | | the insulin is not cloudy or otherwise unusable. Insert |
| disposable and need to be replaced once the insulin | | | | a disposable needle into its place (see the individual |
| cartridge is empty. The drawback is that this type | | | | instructions for your pen). Once the needle is properly |
| does not readily accommodate adjustments to | | | | set, clear out any air bubblets in the pen. Hold the |
| exercise and diet. | | | | pen up and press the end of the pen until a drop of |
| The other main type of pen is the durable pen. It | | | | insulin comes out. You might need to repeat this a |
| uses replaceable insulin cartridges that are discarded | | | | couple of times until you see a drop of insulin at the |
| once the insulin is fully used. With a new cartridge in | | | | tip of the needle. |
| place the pen is ready for use again. | | | | Set the dose of insulin you want to inject. Pinch and |
| A relatively new addition is the insulin pen with a | | | | hold the site where you will inject the insulin. Insert |
| built-in memory. It keeps track of the time and date | | | | the needle all the way and continue pinching your skin |
| as well as the dose. Nice. | | | | while you deliver the dose. Once you're done, put the |
| How to Use | | | | insulin pen cover back in its place. |
| Insulin pens are very easy to use. As well as their | | | | Nice and quick and easy. |
| accuracy and obvious portability, pens may be even | | | | To learn more about treating diabetes and controlling |
| easier than using a bottle and syringe. Once you get | | | | your blood sugar click on the link below. |
| this simple routine down, you'll see how easy it is. | | | | |