Selection of needle for insulin pen and matters needing attention

The goal of diabetes drug injection is to reliably deliver the drug to the subcutaneous tissue to ensure no leakage and discomfort. The key is to choose the appropriate needle length. The 4mm needle shall be inserted vertically regardless of whether the skin is pinched or not. During injection, the skin should not be depressed to prevent the needle from penetrating into the muscle tissue too deeply. If a needle with a diameter of 6 mm or more is used for injection in the upper arm, the skin must be pinched, which requires the assistance of others to complete the injection. Patients who cannot hold the 4mm needle insulin pen due to shaking hands or other obstacles may need to use a longer needle. To prevent intramuscular injection when injecting into limbs or abdomen with less fat, even when using 4 mm and 5 mm needles, pinch the skin for injection. When using a 6 mm needle, pinch or 45 ° injection can be used.
Young children and very thin adults should use a 4mm needle, which should be inserted vertically by pinching the skin. Other people use a 4mm needle for injection without pinching the skin. If there is only an 8 mm needle for patients to use (such as patients currently using syringes), pinch the skin and inject at 45 °. For obese patients, 4 mm needles are safe and effective, and 5 mm needles are acceptable.