If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll need to start giving yourself regular insulin shots to maintain your blood sugar. While a pharmacy can provide you with the necessary medical equipment and prescriptions, it’s up to you to deliver the daily injections. If you’re unsure about the best way to do it, here are a few tips on how to make the process as easy and painless as possible.

How to Give Yourself an Insulin Shot

1. Gather Supplies

Get all of the medical equipment you need in one place. This includes the insulin, syringe, and an alcohol swab. Keep everything you need in a kit or container so that you can easily organize and retrieve the supplies. Always check the insulin’s expiration date and inspect it for clumps before proceeding, and thoroughly wash your hands to remove any harmful bacteria.

2. Pick the Spot

Once you gather the supplies and clean your hands, you can pick the injection spot. It should be in an area with fat, such as the abdomen, thigh, or back of the arm. 

Always rotate the injection spot to prevent infection, and avoid giving yourself a shot in a bruised or swollen area. Once you’ve picked the site, clean it with an alcohol swab. Wait until the spot is completely dry.

3. Inject

The quicker you do the injection, the less it will hurt. Grip the area with one hand while firmly holding the syringe and jabbing it into your skin with the other. Inject the insulin and hold the needle in place for five to 10 seconds to ensure even distribution of the medication. If you need practice, try jabbing an orange or another citrus fruit.

4. Clean Up

Dispose of the used syringe in a “sharps'' container, not a regular trash can. This bin should be metal and have a tightly closed lid. You'll also need to check the local regulations about how to properly dispose of a full container. Never reuse needles or share them with anyone to prevent the spread of bloodborne diseases.

Get all of the medical equipment and prescriptions you need to manage diabetes from Hickman’s Pharmacy in Princeton, WV. This business has served families across southern West Virginia since 1947. They’re proud to offer short wait times for filling prescriptions, ensuring you get the supplies and medication you need. Call (304) 425-2188 or visit their website to learn more about their products.