HOW AND WHERE TO INJECT INSULIN

• For painless insulin injections, choose the layer of fat on the stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks and backs of the arms.¹
• These areas have no nerve endings, which makes injecting, painless.¹
• Keep rotating your injection spot, to prevent fatty lumps from forming¹
• Avoid injecting at any scarred tissue and 2-inch area around the belly button.¹

• Choose a spot:
  Choose a spot on your skin that is easy to reach. ^1,2
• Hygiene first:
  Wash your hands thoroughly and make sure that the site is clean. Clean the site with soap and water or wipe it with alcohol.^1,2
• Pinch the skin:
  With one hand, pinch a little part of your skin and fat (1-2 inches portion) between your thumb and index finger (first finger).^1,2

• Hold the needle:
  With your other hand, hold the syringe or pen like a pencil at a 90-degree angle to the skin.^1,2,3

   

• Insert the needle:
  Inserting slowly can be painful, so insert the needle with one quick motion, almost like hitting a dart. Also, make sure you insert the needle all the way in.^1,2,3

• Release the pinch:
  Let go of the skin pinch before you inject the insulin. ¹
• Inject the insulin:
  Push the plunger with your thumb slowly and steadily until the insulin is fully injected. Continue pushing all the way down until you see ‘0’. ¹
• In case you are using a syringe, keep the needle in the skin for 5 seconds. If you are using a pen, keep the needle in the skin for 10 seconds. ¹

• Remove the needle:
  Be sure that you have taken the full dose of insulin. Count for 10 seconds and then gently pull out the needle at the same 90-degree angle at which you inserted it.^1,2
• Don’t let the insulin leak:
  It is quite possible for the insulin to leak out from the injection site. Avoid this by pressing the injection site with your finger for 5-10 seconds.¹

Don’t fear the injection pain. Try these tips for a pain-free experience:

• Always use a brand new needle
• Relax your muscles and don’t hold them tight
• Use insulin and a needle which is at room temperature
• Push the needle in quickly
• Try not to wiggle the needle while injecting or withdrawing it

• Protect yourself and your loved ones from accidental needle sticks.
• Throw away the syringe after recapping.
• Throw away used syringes and pen needles in a thick plastic container.
• When the container is nearly full, close it tightly with a screw-on cap and close it with a tape.