Injecting Insulin
As always, this Blog is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult your doctor or diabetes nurse educator before making any changes to your diabetes care routine. I am NOT a doctor, I am a diabetic, and this is what works for me. Talk to your doctor first, before trying anything new.
This subject comes up fairly frequently and over the years I've learned a few things that might help you with your insulin injections, especially Lantus, which has a tendency to burn.
More than you ever wanted to know about injecting insulin:
Lantus burns most when it's cold. To avoid this problem, you can keep it at room temperature up for to 28 days with no problems unless you live in a hot climate or the temperature rises over 86°F (30°C). If the temperature may go higher, then you need to either store it in the fridge during the heat wave, or use a FRIO wallet.
For more info about Frio products click here: http://diabetesfrio.com/
In any case, even if you store it in the fridge, it should be tossed after 28 days of being open and in use. It looses its effectiveness after that.
TIPS for all insulins:
To reduce bruising inject more slowly, and don't move the needle while it's in. Moving it or jiggling it can cause a lot of bruising, ask me how I know!
After injecting, hold the needle in place for 20 seconds, then withdraw smoothly. Holding it reduces leakage when you withdraw the needle.
Don't reuse needles, it adds to the bruising/bleeding problem. Dull needles tear the skin instead of just piercing it. Today's needles are not as thick or sturdy as the needles used in previous decades. They don't hold up well enough to reuse. There is also a risk of infection with reusing needles.
If you want to see what a used needle looks like:
http://www.bd.com/ca/diabetes/english/page.aspx?cat=14501&id=14766
Now do you really want to shove that dull dirty needle into your sensitive skin?
I've found that a supplement called bioflavonoids helps reduce bruising. It strengthens the cell walls. Ask your doctor about trying it.
For more information on Lantus: http://www.lantus.com/resources/default.aspx
If you're using Lantus, you have probably discovered that it can burn like crazy!
Lantus burns most when it's cold. To avoid this problem, you can keep it at room temperature up for to 28 days with no problems unless you live in a hot climate or the temperature rises over 86°F (30°C). If the temperature may go higher, then you need to either store it in the fridge during the heat wave, or use a FRIO wallet.
In summer heat waves I use a FRIO wallet to keep my insulin cool but not cold enough to burn. FRIO wallets work by the cooling process of water evaporation. Its cheap and it works, and there's no risk of freezing your insulin like there can be if you use freezer packs. Frozen insulin is useless, so don't risk freezing it by putting it next to a frozen ice pack!
For more info about Frio products click here: http://diabetesfrio.com/
In any case, even if you store it in the fridge, it should be tossed after 28 days of being open and in use. It looses its effectiveness after that.
TIPS for all insulins:
To reduce bruising inject more slowly, and don't move the needle while it's in. Moving it or jiggling it can cause a lot of bruising, ask me how I know!
After injecting, hold the needle in place for 20 seconds, then withdraw smoothly. Holding it reduces leakage when you withdraw the needle.
Don't inject near bruises, it causes absorption problems. Avoid veins and capillaries too, there is an increased risk of bruising and bleeding but there's also a risk of sudden hypoglycemia from injecting into a capillary or vein. This is very dangerous and must be avoided.
Don't reuse needles, it adds to the bruising/bleeding problem. Dull needles tear the skin instead of just piercing it. Today's needles are not as thick or sturdy as the needles used in previous decades. They don't hold up well enough to reuse. There is also a risk of infection with reusing needles.
If you want to see what a used needle looks like:
http://www.bd.com/ca/diabetes/english/page.aspx?cat=14501&id=14766
Now do you really want to shove that dull dirty needle into your sensitive skin?
I've found that a supplement called bioflavonoids helps reduce bruising. It strengthens the cell walls. Ask your doctor about trying it.
For more information on Lantus: http://www.lantus.com/resources/default.aspx
From the Lantus website:
16.2 Storage
LANTUS should not be stored in the freezer and should not be allowed to freeze. Discard LANTUS if it has been frozen.
Unopened Vial/ SoloStar disposable insulin device:
Unopened LANTUS vials, cartridge systems and SoloStar device should be stored in a refrigerator, 36°F – 46°F (2°C – 8°
C). Discard after the expiration date.
Open (In-Use) Vial:
Vials must be discarded 28 days after being opened. If refrigeration is not possible, the open vial can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 28 days away from direct heat and light, as long as the temperature is not greater than 86°F (30°C).
Open (In-Use) SoloStar disposable insulin device:
The opened (in-use) SoloStar should NOT be refrigerated but should be kept at room temperature (below 86°F [30°C]) away from direct heat and light. The opened (in-use) SoloStar device must be discarded 28 days after being opened.
