Diabetes in Adults

Do You Need Insulin?

If you have type 1 diabetes, when the body no longer produces insulin, you probably need to take insulin shots every day. With type 2 diabetes, sometimes the pancreas can’t make enough insulin, even with the help of pills. If that happens, you will need to take insulin as well.

You can store insulin at room temperature for up to a month. It can also be kept in the refrigerator, but be sure to let it warm up before the shot. Insulin that’s too cold may be uncomfortable to inject.

Insulin won’t work if it goes below 36 degrees or above 86 degrees. It can also be damaged by sunlight.

• Don’t leave bottles in a car on a hot or cold day.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight.
• If you are traveling by plane, keep the bottles with you. Bags you check may get too hot or too cold.

Your doctor or nurse will show you how to draw up insulin into the syringe. Sometimes you may use a single type; sometimes you need to mix two types in the syringe, so they can be given together in one shot. Or you may use an insulin pen, which comes pre-loaded with insulin and ready to use.

Where to Give an Insulin Shot

Insulin is injected into the fat just beneath the skin. Ask your health care team about a good spot, because the injection site may affect how well the insulin is absorbed. The best places are:

• The abdomen
• The upper arms
• The thighs
• The hips (not the buttocks)

Choose an injection site about half an inch (one finger-width) from the place where the previous shot was given.

Care of Syringes

Syringes can be used more than once, but must never be shared. When the needle starts to get blunt after three or four shots, throw it out. Many states require you to use a special “sharps” container for the disposal of used needles. You can get one from your pharmacy.