Print Getting Up to Speed on New Injection Guidelines (Part 1)

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you take (inject) insulin, or you know someone who does. Insulin injections aren’t a whole lot of fun, but then again, they aren’t the end of the world, either. Some people mind them more than others. There are those who have a real fear of any kind of injections, whereas others are more matter-of-fact about injecting themselves.

The reality is that insulin is pretty much the most effective medicine there is to manage blood glucose. That’s because the insulin that you inject into yourself is a replica of what your body would make naturally (if it could, or if it could make enough). Diabetes pills and other injectables can work very well, but over time, they tend to be less effective at controlling blood glucose. That’s because, if you have Type 2 diabetes, the diabetes changes over time. Also, remember that pills aren’t used to manage Type 1 diabetes, so anyone with Type 1 diabetes must inject insulin (via syringe, pen, or pump) in order to survive.

Good News
That being said, insulin injections today, while no piece of cake, are much improved upon compared to days of yore. Remember that insulin was “discovered” back in 1922. Prior to that, there was no treatment for diabetes (Type 1) other than starvation, and people had a 50% chance of surviving two years. So, the discovery of insulin was truly a remarkable event that has enabled people with diabetes to live long, healthy lives (consider the fact that some people are receiving medals for living with diabetes for 75 years!). Insulin syringes of yesteryear were made of glass and the needles were pretty thick (and more painful) compared to today’s needles. Disposable syringes and insulin pens were unheard of.

Today, people who take insulin have a few options for how they want to inject. Syringes are disposable, needles are much thinner and shorter, pens make things easier and more convenient, and for some, insulin pumps are the way to go.

“TITANs” of Injection Guidelines
Injecting insulin isn’t rocket science, yet an imprecise technique can lead to glitches such as how your insulin is absorbed, bruising, or buildup of fatty tissue. Injecting properly means that your insulin will work as it should to help you manage your blood glucose.

Back in 2009, a group of diabetes experts from around the world convened in Greece as part of the Third Injection Technique workshop in AtheNs (TITAN). The group collaborated to develop newer, more specific injection guidelines to enable health-care professionals help their patients be more successful at giving injections. These guidelines address issues such as what sites to use, how to store insulin, how to properly inject, how to use an insulin pen, and how to dispose of sharps. You might be thinking, “What’s new and exciting about that?” but the reality is that prior to this meeting, guidelines were pretty vague and there wasn’t much consensus on some of these issues.

Survey Says…
Survey results are always interesting. You get to find out what other people say, think, and do. As part of the TITAN workshop, 4350 people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes from around the world were asked questions about insulin and injections. Here are some of the highlights of the survey:

• 21% of people injected into the same site for a whole day or even several days

• Almost half of the people surveyed had symptoms of lipohypertrophy (build up of fatty tissue at the injection site due to repeatedly injecting into the same spot)

If you can identify with any of the above, at least you know you’re not alone! Next week, I’ll review some key findings from the new injection guidelines, so stay tuned.

Comments:

I inject into my tummy grease and find 8 mm needles optimal.

Posted by: calgarydiabetic | Oct 17, 2011 08:29 PM

I take 3 injections daily for a total of 80 units daily. I actually inject straight thru my shirt. Doing so, i almost never even feel the needle, let alone any pain. I'm sure this technique will be frowned upon but can anyone explain why there is NO pain.

Posted by: gary bree | Oct 19, 2011 01:28 PM

One of the items not talked about very much is the timing of insulin injections. If your pancreas is duff or very poor output, one injects with the appropriate lead time. In my case, my pancreas is stilling hauling butt and yet at 64, it is down alittle. Injecting befor meal can cause a big low with combined pancreas bolus and injection. I have found best time is after lunch and dinner whne BG starts back up and over 150 and then I add shot of 1 to 4 units. Breakfast is slightly different as my liver kicks hard in am on wakeup and I hit breakfast shot of 3 to 4 units about 1/2 hour after waking and an hour before breakfast without incidence. This shot carries through morning to lunch without super lows. This issue is little discussed as most type 2's start out on the pills rather than in Europe go to insulin. As one who sits here after 30 years watching this riot and taking those damm pills ( not metformin but starlix and glyburide) that are like taking 10 pound hammer to flies. If pancrease is still working, it would seem more logical to be on liquid insulin with its complete adjustable flexability that pills cannot, do not provide and complement pancreas action.

Posted by: jim snell | Oct 19, 2011 06:48 PM

I inject 60u of Lantis daily with a BD 1cc syringe. I usually experience no pain. I also use an injector pen for Novolog as needed, which isn't very often, thankfully! I don't have pain with my injections, but I do have bruising. Why?? As for the "through the shirt" comment... I had an endochronologist tell me to do that!

Posted by: Barbara Fiedler | Oct 19, 2011 09:01 PM

Hi gary, There isn't much evidence either way to say that injecting through clothing is helpful or harmful. But, it's not exactly standard practice. That being said, the reason that you're not feeling any pain may be due to the size and length of your needle. Shorter, thinner needles are less likely to cause pain than longer, "thicker" needles.

Posted by: acampbell | Oct 20, 2011 10:29 AM

Hi Barbara, Bruising at the injection site can occur if the needle nicks small blood vessels. It's fairly common. You're also more likely to bruise or bleed if you take blood-thinner medicines, like aspirin, for example. If the bruising occurs frequently, you should let your endocrinologist or diabetes educator know. It might be helpful to review your injection technique with them.

Posted by: acampbell | Oct 20, 2011 10:34 AM

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