Let's learn more about the insulin pen used for diabetes.

If you live with Diabetes Mellitus, injecting yourself with insulin every day can be a bit of a hassle at times. It's not always easy to draw the medicine from the insulin vial into the syringe and inject the exact dose. But there is a device that looks like a pen that makes this task much easier. Today, we're talking about the Insulin Pen .

So, what is this insulin pen?

Simply put, an insulin pen is a pre-filled injection device that allows you to inject insulin into the subcutaneous tissue under your skin. This is a way to treat diabetes. More specifically, it is an option that falls under the Multiple Daily Injection (MDI) regimen.

Imagine a pen that has insulin instead of ink, and a tiny, disposable needle instead of a pen tip. That's how it is with this one.

What are the parts of an insulin pen?

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

What are the types of insulin pens?

There are several types of insulin pens. They differ mainly in the following ways:

• Reusable vs Disposable: Some pens are disposable and can be thrown away when the insulin runs out or expires. Another type is reusable. When the insulin cartridge runs out, you can remove it and insert a new one to reuse the pen.
• Type of insulin used: There are many types of insulin. They vary in how long they take to work in the body and how long they last (e.g., long-acting, rapid-acting). Some pens are designed for only one type of insulin. Some pens contain a mixture of insulin types.
• Are there digital devices : Some insulin pens come with a digital app. This app helps you remember things like when you last injected insulin and how much. We also call these 'Smart' or 'Connected' insulin pens. The other type is the regular pen (manual). And you have to write down the dose you inject in a book.

Let's talk a little about 'Smart' insulin pens

This 'smart' insulin pen is a digital pen that automatically sends information like the time and dose of your injection to an app on your phone. This app can also do several other things.

• Keep a record of the amount of insulin active in your body at that time.
• It helps calculate the amount of insulin you need based on your blood sugar level and the amount of carbohydrates you are about to eat. Some 'smart' pen systems do this by connecting to a device that continuously measures blood sugar levels (Continuous Glucose Monitor - CGM).
• If you think you might forget to take your insulin at mealtime, you will be notified (alert).
• Keep notes on the temperature and expiration date of the insulin.

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

How do you use an insulin pen?

Before you inject the vaccine, prepare a clean, dry area. You will need the following:

• The insulin pen prescribed by your doctor. (If you use more than one type of pen, make sure you choose the correct one .)
• A new needle and an alcohol wipe.
• A suitable container for used needles. This can be a thick plastic bottle with a tight-fitting lid or a "sharps" container.

How to prepare the pen step by step:

1. Wash your hands: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

2. Open the cap: Remove the cap from the insulin pen.

3. Mix the pen: 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 don't need to do this. Never shake the pen.

4. Clean the rubber seal: Wipe the rubber seal with an alcohol wipe.

5. Attach a new needle: Remove the paper tape from the needle, attach the new needle to the pen, and twist it. Then remove the outer cap from the needle. You will need this outer cap again to remove the needle after the injection. Now remove the inner cap as well.

6. Prime the pen: Priming is the process of removing air bubbles from the needle and making sure that the needle is working properly. You should do this before every injection. To do this, turn the dose knob to 2 units. With the pen turned up, press the injection button all the way down. At least one drop of insulin should come out of the needle tip. You will need to repeat this process until a drop appears.

7. Select the dose: Select the insulin dose your doctor prescribed by turning the dose knob.

8. Check the dose: Check the dose window to make sure the selected dose is correct. Then set the pen aside so that the needle does not stick anywhere.

How to inject the vaccine step by step:

1. Hold the insulin pen with the hand you are writing with, keeping your thumb free to press the injection button.

2. Insert the needle into your skin in a quick motion at a 90-degree angle. The needle should be fully inserted into the skin.

3. Slowly push the injection button all the way in to inject the entire dose. Hold the pen in this position for 6 to 10 seconds, then remove the needle.

4. Carefully replace the outer cap on the needle, twist the needle and remove it. Then put the needle in the used needle container.

5. Replace the pen cap and store at room temperature.

What are the best places to inject insulin?

These are generally the best places to inject insulin:

• Abdominal area: Below and around the navel.
• Thighs: Front and sides of the thighs.
• Arms: The upper and outer part of the arms.
• Buttock area:

Do not pierce in these places:

• Within 2 inches around the navel.
• Right in the middle of the stomach.
• On or near areas with scar tissue or stretch marks.
• Near the joints.
• In the groin area.

It is also important to rotate your injection sites rather than injecting in the same place all the time . Injecting in the same place all the time can cause a buildup of fat under the skin ( lipohypertrophy ). This can prevent the insulin from being absorbed properly. Therefore, rotating your injection sites will make your injection process easier, safer, and more comfortable.

Advantages and disadvantages of insulin pens

Many people find using an insulin pen easier than using an insulin vial and syringe. Studies have also shown that using a pen provides a more accurate and consistent dose.

Are there any side effects?

As with any insulin injection, the most common side effect of insulin pens is low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ) . This condition usually occurs when blood sugar levels drop 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.

While using insulin, you will need to see your doctor regularly to make sure your treatment plan is working. If you have frequent high or low blood sugars, tell your doctor right away. This may mean that your insulin dose may need to be adjusted to suit your needs.

Should insulin pens be kept in the refrigerator?

You can store an insulin pen that you have just started using (opened) at room temperature (around 20-22 degrees Celsius). However, do not store it in very hot or very cold places. This can change the way the insulin works.

Unopened, new pens should be stored in the refrigerator. They are good until the expiration date printed on the box. Write the day you first use a pen on the box. Most pens are good for about 28 days after first use. Read the leaflet that comes with the pen for the most accurate instructions.

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