How to give an insulin shot

Insulin bottle Alcohol prep-pad

Giving an insulin shot is a vital process that every diabetic
needs to know. If this process is done incorrectly, it can lead
to hypoglycemia (diabetic shock) or be fatal. By following
this process, you will learn how to properly administer an
insulin shot. 1

You will need: A bottle of insulin, a syringe (needle), and a

alcohol prep-pad (See figure 1.1).

Giving an insulin shot

Syringe

Figure 1.1 supples needed to give an insulin shot . http://www.

thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/reverse-vaccine-a-potential-treatment-for-type1-diabetes/article4869912.ece

Step 1: Remove alcohol prep-pad from its package.

Step 2: Wipe off the top of the insulin bottle with the alcohol
prep-pad.
Step 3: Chose a section of skin (See figure 1.2) on your thigh,
abdomen, back of the arm, or buttocks and wipe a
3X3 inch area with the alcohol prep-pad.
Let the area of skin you chose dry. Do not touch
or put anything on the area of skin you chose.
Step 4: Pick up the syringe and remove the cap.
Warning: Be careful not to stab yourself with
the needle, it will contaminate the needle.2

Figure 1.2 Insulin injection sites. https://www.drugs.com

Step 5: Remove the cover over the plunger of the syringe.

Step 6: Draw the plunger of the syringe down, filling the syringe with air, to the designated amount of
units of insulin you need.
Each line on the side of the syringe represents one unit of insulin.
Step 7: Insert the syringe into the top of the insulin bottle.
Step 8: Push the plunger down until all the air in the syringe is pushed into the insulin bottle.
Step 9: Without removing the syringe, turn the bottle and syringe vertical.
Step 10: Slowly draw the designated amount of insulin into the syringe.
There will be air bubbles in the syringe.
Step 11: Push the plunger of the syringe up until all of the insulin in the syringe is pushed back
into the bottle, removing any air bubbles from the syringe.

Step12: Redraw the designated amount of insulin into the syringe.

Step13: If there are still air bubbles in the syringe, while securely holding the insulin bottle and syringe in one hand, gently flick the syringe in order to move the air bubbles to the top of the
syringe. Then repeat step 11 and 13.
Warning: air bubbles in the syringe can lead to a miss-dose of insulin that can result in seizures or death. 1
Step 14: Turn the bottle and syringe back over.
Step 15: Remove the syringe from the bottle of insulin.
Step 16: Again check the syringe for air bubbles.
If large air bubbles are visible, repeat steps 11 through 15. If small air bubbles are visible,
gently flick the syringe until the bubbles move to the top of the syringe and push very
gently on the plunger.
Step 17: Pinch the area of skin you wiped with alcohol preppad with the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand, the hand not holding the syringe.
Step 18: While holding the area of skin with your non-dominant hand, with your hand holding the syringe, completely insert the needle into your skin.

Step 16

Step 18

Step 17

Step 19

Step 19: Slowly release the area of skin you have pinched
while keeping the needle inserted in your skin.
Step 20: Push down on the plunger of the syringe.
Warning - If the needle is removed at this point,
insulin will leak out and your dosage will be
Figure 1.3 how to give an insulin shot. http://www.diabeticlivinincomplete.
gonline.com
Step 21: In succession, count to five, remove the needle, immediately place a finger on the injection
site, and count to five again.
Step 22: After counting to five, remove your finger.
Step 23: Replace the cap on the needle.
Make sure to dispose of the needle in a biohazard safe container.

End notes

1. Swinyard, Dr. Mike. Personal interview, 20 October 2016.

2 .Tunner, William. Personal interview. 5 October 2016