Absorption, Site Rotation, and Best Practices
Insulin is ahormone that helps to regulate blood sugar.
Understanding insulin injection sites and the importance of site rotation may prevent skin damage.
Injecting insulin into fatty tissue helps the body to absorb insulin slowly and predictably.
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The amount of fat thickness is variable based on injection site, age, gender, and weight.
Abdomen
The abdomen is a common insulin injection site for people with diabetes.
It is also easy to access, which makes it an easy and practical injection site.
When injecting into the abdomen, you should avoid the belly button.
Instead, inject insulin at least two finger lengths (or two inches) away from the belly button.
Backs of Arms
If you inject into the upper arm, do not inject into the shoulder.
Instead, use only the outer back area (where the most fat is).
Or you may have someone else help you with your injections.
It’s best to use the upper thigh, as the fat layer thins out further down the leg.
Avoid injecting close to the bony area above the knee.
Over time, the thickened skin may lose nerve endings and as a result, shots may become painless.
Your body absorbs insulin differently depending on where it is injected.
This helps to lower post-prandial (after meal)blood sugars.
For example, if you plan on doing a lower body workout, avoid using your thighs.
Or if you are playing a game of tennis, avoid the arms.
Tips for Choosing Sites
Fast insulin absorption is important to reduce after-meal blood sugars.
If possible, be consistent within each site and rotate accordingly.
Ultimately, what’s most important is that you have access to a site and are consistent.
The choice is always yours.
Lastly, avoid injecting into moles or scar tissue, as these can also affect insulin absorption.
You may need to practice your injection technique or possibly use a longer needle.
You may have to change sites while the infection is being treated and cleared up.
Using a 12-day cycle gives sites time to recover before being used again.
ensure to move a few inches from your last site.
2018;9(6):2347-2356. doi:10.1007/s13300-018-0522-1
