
Best insulin injection sites: Absorption time and rotation
Insulin is a hormone that helps manage diabetes when it is injected into the body.
It can't be taken as a pill or oral medication. This is because the enzymes in the stomach will break down the insulin before it reaches the bloodstream.
Insulin injections are one of many ways to treat and manage diabetes. Others include dietary and lifestyle changes, and oral medications.
For people who require insulin injections, there are different types of insulin available. It is important to understand and follow the instructions that the doctor provides about how and where to inject insulin.
Common injection sites
Insulin is injected into the layer of fat directly under this skin, known as subcutaneous tissue.
It is injected with a small needle or a device that looks like a pen. There are several different sites where insulin can be injected, including:
Abdomen
The abdomen is a common site for insulin injection that many people with diabetes choose to use.
To give an injection into the abdomen, take a pinch of the fatty tissue from either side between the waist and the hipbones. It should be about 2 inches away from the belly button.
This site is easy to access and some people report that it causes less discomfort than other sites.
Upper Arms
The upper arm is another site where insulin injections can be given.
The needle should be placed into the back of the arm (tricep area), about halfway between the elbow and the shoulder.
The main disadvantage of this site is that it is very difficult to use for self-administration and may require somebody else to do it. It may be more comfortable
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