Ways of Administering Insulin. It is a natural hormone that the beta cells in the pancreas produces to regulate blood sugar levels and facilitates the burning of glucose. This hormone allows glucose to enter body cells from the bloodstream, where it is used for energy production or stored for later use.
In individuals with diabetes, there is either insufficient insulin production or a reduced response to its effects. In both cases, it results in high blood sugar levels, leading to various health issues. This phenomenon demands the need for synthetic insulin therapy, which improves glycemic control and prevents the development of diabetes-related complications.
There are a variety of ways to administer synthetic insulin. It could either be done subcutaneously, inhaled, or through pumps.
Here are five different methods of administering insulin for better blood sugar management.
Administering Insulin in 5 Different Methods
Syringe
The most common method of administering insulin is subcutaneous injection using a syringe. Insulin is usually injected into the fatty tissue under the skin on a regular daily schedule. Common injection sites include the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms.
How to inject insulin using a syringe?
- Prepare the equipment and supplies.
- Remove the cover from the insulin vial and needle.
- Take the required insulin dosage by holding the syringe upright and pushing the needle into the vial.
- Pull the plunger down until you get the correct dosage.
- Once the insulin is ready, swab the injection site with a clean alcohol pad.
- Gently pinch a portion of your skin.
- Inject insulin by inserting the needle into the skin.
- Once done, remove the needle and cover the injection site with a clean cotton or bandage.
Insulin Pen
Insulin pens are a convenient and user-friendly alternative to traditional injection methods, as they provide a less painful insulin administration experience. These devices resemble pens and come with pre-filled insulin cartridges, which allow for more precise dosage adjustment and improved treatment outcomes. As a result, insulin pens are widely used today in the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
How to use insulin pens?
- Before administering the insulin pen, set the correct dosage first.
- Sanitize the injection site with an alcohol swab.
- Once ready, insert the needle into the skin and push the injection button firmly using your thumb.
- After delivering the dose, pull the needle out.
- Cover the injection site with a clean cotton ball or bandage.
- Replace the pen’s cap and store the device at room temperature.
Insulin Pump
An insulin pump is a small, computerized device that continuously delivers insulin throughout the day and night. It consists of a pump, a thin plastic tube called a catheter, and an infusion set. The pump is typically worn on the body and connected to a tube inserted under the skin, usually in the abdomen. This device provides basal insulin and allows for bolus doses prior to meals.
How to use insulin pumps?
- Fill the pump’s reservoir.
- Draw insulin from a vial or load a new insulin cartridge into the reservoir.
- Attach the infusion set to the reservoir.
- Prime the pump by activating its controls.
- Insert the infusion set into your body.
- Push the cannula under your skin and hold it in place using an adhesive patch.
- Set the basal rate of insulin.
Inhalable insulin
This newer method of insulin administration involves using a device to breathe powdered insulin into the lungs. The device is similar to what people with asthma use. According to research, inhaled insulins are more rapidly absorbed than insulin injections. You can administer inhaled insulin before meals.
How to use inhalable insulin?
- Take this treatment before each meal.
- Follow inhalation through the mouth.
- Remove the inhaler’s mouthpiece cover.
- Put the mouthpiece into your mouth.
- Inhale deeply through the inhaler.
- Once done, remove the inhaler from your mouth.
Insulin jet injectors
The jet injector method of insulin delivery does not require a needle. Instead, it uses a high-pressure stream of insulin to penetrate the skin. Jet injectors are small devices that force insulin through a tiny opening into the subcutaneous tissue, providing an effective alternative to traditional injection methods. However, it’s worth noting that jet injectors can be more expensive than other available methods.
How to use insulin injectors?
- Load the device by filling the insulin adapter with synthetic insulin.
- Once loaded, set the gauge according to the required dose.
- Place the device against the skin.
- Press the device’s button and let the jet force insulin into the skin tissues.
- Allow insulin to pass through your skin’s lower layers and into your bloodstream.
