Insulin injection methods are now becoming easier and easier. Special insulin syringes used by diabetics are available for sale. In shape they resemble a pen, hence their name comes from - a pen-syringe for insulin. It is used by most patients with diabetes mellitus for self-injection with insulin therapy.
Syringe Pen: Benefits
A pen-syringe for insulin has several advantages due to the fact that the patient does not need to have special skills for the administration of pancreatic hormones. Its shape makes the work very simple. The shift and retention of the “start” on the handle leads to the automatic supply of the hormone into the tissue, which always happens with the same strength, regardless of the dose. Insulin injections are therefore optimal and painless.
A syringe pen for insulin administration can be supplemented with an important function - informing the patient that he has taken an already established dose. An indicator (green dot) appears on its body, indicating the end of injection. After receiving this information, you should wait another 6 seconds (it is best to count to 10) so that insulin remains in the subcutaneous tissue.
The insulin syringe pen is safe to use. The possibility of tissue damage is limited to a minimum during automatic injection. This method is significantly different compared to the traditional administration of this hormone. The exact dosage during injection is also observed, which is very important for the patient. In addition, the used needles are always closed; protection is only removed during insertion. The insulin syringe pen is a device that needs to be replaced with a new one after two years of use.
A well-chosen pen-syringe, of course, makes it easier for the patient to inject in everyday life, because the patient needs daily doses of this hormone. You need to choose it according to the following characteristics:
- easy to use;
- lightweight and comfortable;
- has clear signals about the dose;
- has the ability to control the dose;
- indicates when the dose was introduced into the body.
Operating requirements
To ensure the normal operation of a special insulin syringe for a long time, it is necessary:
- store it at room temperature ;
- if it contains the drug, store at room temperature up to 25 degrees Celsius for no more than 28 days;
- Do not store it in places open to direct sunlight;
- protect from dust and moisture;
- after use, you need to remove the old needle and put on a special cap at the end;
- keep it in a case;
- Clean every day with a slightly damp cloth without using any cleaning or disinfecting agents.
The right choice of pen-syringe significantly affects the comfort of life of people with diabetes. They can use insulin injections quietly, painlessly and quickly.
"Novopen" - the most commonly used syringe pen in the world
The Novopen insulin syringe pen is a modern device for injecting this hormone. Outwardly, it looks like an ordinary handle, so it does not cause discomfort when it accidentally extends or falls out of a pocket or bag.
Accurate and simple administration of the drug makes it very convenient to use. You can adjust the dosage of the drug in the range from 2 to 70 units in increments of one unit. Novopen is available in several versions.
When using the Novopen pen, there is no risk of accidentally exceeding the dose of insulin. Ease of use leaves patients sick for an active personal and professional life.
Cost
In many countries, people with diabetes are given a free syringe pen for insulin. Its price in pharmacies varies on average from 1 to 2 thousand rubles, depending on the model and the functions built into the device.
How does a pen work?
Together with pens, special insulin bottles (cartridges) are used. The bottle has a rubber stopper at the top and a rubber piston at the bottom. In insulin therapy, 1.5 or 3 ml vials are used. Each syringe is equipped with instructions that the diabetic should be familiar with. Devices of different manufacturers differ among themselves in the way the dose of the drug is set. After the cartridge with insulin runs out, you need to remove the used bottle and insert a new one inside the pen syringe.
How to do insulin injections?
Insulin helps maintain the equilibrium state of sugar in the body in diabetics. Before its introduction, it is necessary to disinfect the injection site. At home, it is necessary to wash the skin with soap and water. In a hospital, the skin is disinfected with alcohol, then you need to wait a few seconds until it completely dries.
Pancreatic hormone injections are not painful when they are administered correctly. It should be taken into account when administering the drug:
- the injection should be administered deeply subcutaneously;
- you need to ensure calm and comfort during the administration of insulin;
- ask someone close to complete the introduction if you suffer from acupuncture;
- change the injection site;
- change needles from a pen syringe often, because if they become dull or clogged, they can cause pain.
Where is insulin injection best done?
The injection site should allow for easy and uniform absorption of insulin. The introduction of the drug is recommended under the scapula, in the middle of the forearm, in the abdomen - 10 cm from the navel, in the buttock and thigh.