Syringe: The Most Common Insulin Device

Syringes, insulin pens and insulin pumps are important devices for administering insulin. But, unfortunately, not every device or device type suits the patients well, shared by experts at humalog.

A person’s insulin regimen, ability to manage or operate a certain device, visual capacity, insurance coverage or ability to afford a specific device and related supplies, occupation, daily schedule, or leisure activities may be considered when deciding which to use.

The best way to choose a device that will work well for you and receive the instruction to operate it appropriately is to talk with your diabetes care team about your needs and preferences.

Why Are Syringes Important?

Generally, syringes are the most used way to administer insulin. Medical syringes are small, disposable devices with delicate needles specially coated to make injections as painless and simple as possible.

When using a syringe to administer insulin, the user first pushes air into the vial of the medication, inserts the needle into the vial, pulls back on the plunger until the appropriate dose is drawn into the barrel, inserts the needle through the skin, and then presses down on the plunger until the barrel is emptied.

A caregiver may be able to prepare insulin doses in advance and store the filled syringes in the refrigerator with the needles facing upward until needed for those who find it difficult to prepare doses on their own.

If you choose this route, be careful to talk about how far in advance syringes can be filled with your diabetes care team. Syringes are available in a range of sizes, with various barrel sizes, needle gauges and needle lengths.

What Should You Take Care Of?

The needle is finer and has a greater gauge. Based on the sizes of your daily insulin dosages and your preferred needle gauge and length, your diabetes care team will help you select the best syringe.

While some may prefer a shorter needle, symptoms that a longer needle may be required to deliver the insulin effectively include insulin leaks at the injection site or deteriorating blood glucose control.

Syringe reuse is not advised due to possible side effects like sharper injections when the needle wears down with use, infection, or tissue injury. For each injection, it is advisable to use a fresh syringe.

Conclusion:

Using syringe magnifiers and vial stabilizers can help prepare precise insulin dosages. If you want to administer more than one type of insulin, brightly colored vial sleeves and caps can aid in differentiating the different varieties. Make sure any injection aid you buy is compatible with the sort and brand of syringes you use before making a purchase.