To effectively manage diabetes, some patients need to take insulin shots throughout the day. An insulin pen is an effective insulin delivery system that makes giving these shots extremely easy and comfortable. Insulin pens are quickly gaining popularity in the country. These pens include an insulin cartridge, a disposable needle, and a dial to measure dosage that helps in delivering the exact amount needed by the body.
Insulin pens deliver anywhere between 0.5 to 80 units of insulin at one time. The increments in the dosage can be in half unit, one unit or two units. The maximum dosage, as well as the incremental amount, varies in different kinds of pens.
Types of insulin pens
Primarily, there are two types of insulin pens:
However, you need to use a fresh and disposable needle every time you use the insulin pen. These needles are available in different thicknesses and lengths, and mostly, all of them fit on every kind of insulin pen. It is best to consult your medical practitioner to choose the best type of insulin pen for your needs.
How to choose an insulin pen?
You need to consider several factors before purchasing an insulin pen. Some of these factors are:
How to store an insulin pen?
Storing insulin pens is easy. After their first use, they do not require constant refrigeration, just like vials of insulin. You can store them at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Discard pens that have been frozen or kept in temperatures above 30 degree Celsius. These pens should never be stored with an attached needle as it affects the needle’s sterility.
It is vital to check the expiry date printed on the pen before purchasing it. You must not use an insulin pen that is past its expiry date. Usually, insulin pens are good for use for 7-28 days after the first dose. However, it would also depend on the type of insulin.
How to use an insulin pen?
If you have never used an insulin pen before, it is best to consult your doctor about it.
Here are some common steps that you need to perform to use an insulin pen correctly:
Do not inject insulin at sites that are bruised or sore. Also, change the injection sites regularly to avoid swelling or the formation of lumps.
Potential risks
It is vital to monitor the dose of insulin. If you dial the wrong dose, you need to keep an eye on your glucose levels after injecting yourself. A higher dosage of insulin may cause your blood sugar level to drop extremely low. Similarly, too little insulin may cause it to shoot up to a dangerous level.
Insulin pens are easy-to-handle, insulin delivery tools that one can buy. However, one has to take a lot of care while using it to avoid any infection. It is essential to consult a medical professional before opting for insulin pens.
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