Self-administration of Insulin

The purpose of these instructions is to provide knowledge and skill on administrating Insulin to diabetic patients. For proper administration of Insulin, please read the entire set of instructions prior to performing this procedure and follow each step carefully.

Step 1: Supplies

Gather your supplies: Insulin bottle, alcohol pad and an insulin syringe.

Step 2: Check for Expiration Date

Check the Insulin bottle for the expiration date as the insulin might not be fully potent after it is expired. Make sure that the solution is at room temperature and carefully roll the insulin vial between the palms of your hands 10 times to ensure proper suspension of insulin.

Step 3: Disinfecting the Cap

Wipe the top rubber part of the bottle with alcohol pad for at least 30 seconds.

Step 4: Draw Air Into the Syringe

Remove the cap from the syringe and draw air into syringe by pulling the plunger back and making sure that the black tip is even with the dose required.

Step 5: Push the Needle Straight Into the Rubber Part of the Bottle.

Step 6: Push Air Into the Bottle by Pressing Down the Plunger.

Step 7: Turn the Insulin Bottle and Syringe Upside Down

Step 8: Pulling Insulin Into the Syringe

Pull insulin into the syringe by slowly pulling back on the plunger until the top of the black tip is even with the desired dose.

Step 9: Removing Syringe From Bottle

Remove syringe from the bottle carefully making sure that the needle does not get bent.

Step 10: Choose the Site of Your Injection.

Abdomen is the fastest absorption site for insulin. Other sites can be front of the thigh and lateral aspect of arm.

Step 11: Injecting Insulin Into the Site

Pinch the skin together and insert the needle quickly at 90 degree angle; keep the skin pinched to avoid having the insulin go into the muscle.

Step 12: Push the Plunger Down

Push plunger down all the way to ensure all the insulin is administered and hold it in place for 5 seconds

Step 13: Let Go of the Pinched Skin and Remove the Needle

If you keep the skin pinched while removing the needle, some of the insulin solution might come out.

Step 14: Ensure Safety

Activate the safety device on syringe to avoid any injuries, press on the area 5-8 seconds if you see any blood or insulin on the area where the needle went and discard the supplies.

Congratulations, you have learned how to self-administer insulin!