Insulin Syringes - What You Need to Know

Posted by admin in Prescription Diabetes Drugs on September 22nd, 2010

Insulin syringes are used to administer the hormone insulin into a diabetic’s body. The size of the needle depends upon the specific dosage and insulin strength prescribed by a physician. They come in different varieties and sizes to cater to varied patient needs. Most syringes are meant for one-time application. Diabetics can also use insulin pens, insulin pumps and jet injectors to administer the hormone. Modern devices come with needles coated with special materials that make the injection painless.

Types of Insulin Syringes

Insulin syringes can be broadly classified into two categories: normal syringes and insulin pens or pen injections.

  • Normal syringes: One of the most common and traditional approaches of injecting insulin. These syringes are available in different configurations, ranging from 28 to 31 gauge. Larger the gauge, smaller will be the needle.
  • Pen injections or injection pens: Pen injections look like pens and contain cartridges filled with insulin. Some pens are disposed when the cartridges become empty, while others support replaceable cartridges. There is a fine needle on top of the pen. Once you select the required dose through the dial in the pen, you can press the plunger to inject the hormone.

Besides insulin syringes, jet injectors and insulin pumps are also used to administer insulin. The selection is based on individual preferences.

  • Jet injectors: If you do not like injections, you may opt for jet injectors. With the help of high pressure air, these jet injectors send a fine spray of insulin through the skin. These injectors do not have needles.
  • Insulin pumps: These are pumping devices that you can wear on your body. They are connected to a catheter located under the skin of your abdomen. You can program the pumps to release the necessary quantities of the hormone.

How to Dispose Insulin Syringes

Usually, local communities establish rules related to the disposal of these syringes. You should check with your trash removal company or your local community organizations regarding the safe removal of used lancets and syringes. It is better to talk to your local health department.

The syringes available these days certainly provide better performance. They have very fine needles and are coated with special materials to make the injection process as painless as possible.

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