Insulin Syringes, Pens, and Pumps

Insulin syringes:

A shot is the most common way to take insulin. The shot is given using a syringe. A syringe is a hollow plastic tube with a plunger inside and a small needle attached to one end. The needles come in different sizes and shorter and thinner than most needles you may have seen. Each syringe and needle should only be used one time.

The injection should be given just under the skin:

• In the fatty part of your upper arm
• In the belly (stomach)
• In the upper leg (thigh)
• In the buttocks

Insulin shots do not cause much pain or discomfort. Needles used today are much thinner and smoother than those used in the past.

Insulin pens:

Insulin pens look like writing pens, but there is a small needle on one end. Some pens can be refilled with insulin. Other pens should be thrown away when empty. Pre-filled pens either come with one type of insulin or a mix of two different types of insulin. Pens make it easier to use and give the correct dose of insulin.

Insulin pumps:

An insulin pump is a small machine that you wear on the body. It gives small amounts of insulin throughout the day. You can also have the pump give more insulin based on the size of the meal or snack you ate. Insulin pumps are most often used for people with type 1 diabetes.