Things you need to know about the Insulin Pen!

Are you using insulin to treat your diabetes? Or has your doctor told you to start taking insulin? In the past, when you thought of insulin, you thought of taking medicine from a vial into a syringe and injecting it. But now there is a much easier and more convenient way. That is the insulin pen. Today, let's talk about this insulin pen.

What exactly is an insulin pen?

Simply put, an insulin pen is a device that looks like a pen that we use to write. But what it does is inject the hormone insulin into our body. It injects insulin into the fatty tissue just under our skin, which is medically called the subcutaneous tissue. People with diabetes have to take insulin several times a day, so this pen is very convenient for that.

It looks like a pen. But instead of a tip, it has a small needle that is used only once and then removed. Instead of "ink," the pen contains insulin. So there are different types of insulin pens.

What are the main parts of an insulin pen?

Although there are several types of insulin pens, they all have some basic components that are common. Let's take a look at what they are and what they do.

What are the main types of insulin pens?

Insulin pens can be classified based on several main factors.

• Disposable and reusable types: Some pens are disposable, meaning that once the insulin is used up or has expired, the entire pen is thrown away. Others are reusable, meaning that when the insulin runs out, the pen can be refilled with a new insulin cartridge.
• Depending on the type of insulin used: There are many types of insulin. For example, rapid-acting, short-acting, and long-acting. Some pens are designed for only a specific type of insulin.
• Digital vs. Manual: There are some modern insulin pens that can be connected to an app on your phone. These are also called "smart" pens. These help you remember things like when you last injected yourself and how much you took. The other type is the regular manual pen. This requires you to write down your details in a notebook.

What is a "Smart" insulin pen?

These are the latest in technology. As soon as you inject, it automatically sends information about the time and amount of insulin you took to an app on your phone. This app can also do a few other things:

• Keep a record of the amount of insulin active in your body at that time.
• It helps you calculate the required insulin dose (bolus) based on your blood sugar level and the amount of carbohydrates you are going to eat.
• If you think you've forgotten an injection at mealtime, we'll send you reminders (alerts).
• Keep notes on the temperature and expiration date of the insulin.

If you're interested in a smart pen like this, talk to your doctor about it.

How to use an insulin pen correctly?

This is the most important part. Before you give the injection, prepare a clean, dry area.

Things to prepare before the injection

• The insulin pen prescribed by your doctor. (If you use more than one type of pen, make sure to choose the correct one at the right time.)
• A brand new needle and an alcohol wipe.
• A suitable container to put used needles in. You can use something like a thick plastic bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

How to prepare the pen (step by step)

1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

2. Remove the cap from the pen.

3. If the insulin in the pen looks cloudy , roll the pen between your hands for about a minute. If the insulin is completely clear, you do not need to do this. Do not shake the pen at any time.

4. Wipe the rubber seal that secures the pen needle with an alcohol swab.

5. Take a new needle, remove the paper tab, attach it to the pen, and twist it. Then remove the large outer cap and the small inner cap from the needle. (Keep the large outer cap aside, you will need it to remove the needle after the injection).

6. Prime the pen. This is very important. Priming is removing air bubbles from the needle. This also helps to make sure the needle is not stuck and is working properly. You should do this before every injection. To do this, turn the dose knob to ``2 units''. Now, with the pen turned up, press the injection button all the way down. Do this until a drop of insulin comes out of the needle.

7. Now turn the knob to the dose prescribed by your doctor.

8. Check the dose again to make sure it is correct. Place the pen aside without touching the needle anywhere.

This is how you get the injection:

1. Hold the pen in your writing hand and hold it so that you can press the button with your thumb.

2. Insert the needle into your skin in a quick, 90-degree angle. The needle should go all the way into the skin.

3. Slowly push the injection button all the way in and inject the entire dose into your body.

4. Hold the button pressed for about 6 to 10 seconds and then remove the needle from the skin. This gives the entire dose time to be absorbed.

5. After the injection, carefully place the large outer cap on the needle, twist the needle to remove it. Place the removed needle in the prepared safety container.

6. Put the cap back on the pen and leave it at room temperature.

What are the best places to inject insulin?

The best places to inject insulin are:

• The area around your belly button (about 2 inches below your belly button)
• Front and sides of the thighs
• Upper and outer part of the arm
• Buttock area

Do not inject into these areas:

• Exactly 2 inches from the navel
• Right in the middle of the stomach
• On or near areas with scars or stretch marks
• Near the junction
• To the groin area

One of the most important things to do is rotate your injection sites . If you keep injecting in the same spot, you can develop lumps under your skin. This condition is called lipohypertrophy. Fat tissue in those areas can also break down (lipodystrophy). If this happens, your body won't absorb the insulin properly. So, rotate your injection sites every day. If you're injecting in the same area, try to inject at least an inch and a half away from the previous injection site.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of insulin pens?

Are there any side effects?

The main risk of any insulin treatment is that your blood sugar levels may drop too low. This is called hypoglycemia. This usually occurs when your blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dL.

When should I see the doctor?

If you are using an insulin pen for the first time, your doctor or diabetes educator will show you how to use it. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

Then you will need to see your doctor at regular intervals. In the meantime, if your blood sugar levels are consistently high or consistently low , tell your doctor right away. It may be time to change your insulin dose.

Should insulin pens be kept in the fridge?

This is also a problem for many people.

• Unopened new pens: These should be kept in the refrigerator. They will last well until the expiration date printed on the box.
• Opened pens: These can be stored at room temperature. But keep them away from extreme heat and cold. An opened pen usually lasts about 28 days. It's best to write the date you opened the pen on the pen.

The specific instructions for your type of insulin are on the leaflet that comes with it. It is very important to read it.