Insulin Injection Devices - Lifeabetic.com

In type one diabetes mellitus, the pancreas does not produce insulin in the right amount. Therefore, in order to assimilate glucose and normalize its level, one has to make hormone injections. There are several ways to administer insulin. For many people, insulin pumps look the most attractive. In practice, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Today, syringe pens, insulin ports and inhalations are no less popular. Let’s find out what are the advantages and features of different techniques.

Injections with conventional syringes or automatic syringe pens

Conventional insulin syringes are gradually completely fading into the background. They are often used as a fallback, for example, when the medicine in the cartridge for the syringe pen is over, and the nearest pharmacy does not have the right brand.

Syringe pens are much more convenient than syringes, they less attract the attention of others, they look like a regular writing pen.

Injections using syringe pens are much more convenient:

attach a new needle;
using the wheel (selector) set the desired dose;
insert the needle into the skin, press the shutter release button.

A precisely prescribed dose is administered, so there is no risk that insulin will be insufficient or more than is required to compensate for the consumed carbohydrates.

There will be no difficulties with replacing the cartridge:

untwist the handle;
insert the cartridge into the holder;
assemble the handle in the reverse order.

How long can a pen be used

Unlike syringes, syringe pens are reusable. Only the needle and the insulin cartridge change as they are used. One injector can be used for years, it all depends on the manufacturer and the user’s care.

Disposable syringe pens are also available – they do not provide for a replacement cartridge, so after using up insulin, you need to purchase a new injector. Note! Shelf life is 28 days after opening – so long is insulin suitable, but provided that it is stored at a temperature below 28 ° C.

Pros and cons of using a pen

Advantages of injecting with a syringe pen:

convenient transportation, thin needles make injections almost painless;
simple dosage, many devices can remember the last dose;
thanks to repeated injections, the body always has a supply of insulin, which allows you to skip the next drug administration without complications in an emergency;
reasonable price for insulin pens and consumables for them.

Disadvantages:

after the injection, you need to wait a bit until the insulin fully enters and resolves, unlike injections with ordinary syringes;
it is difficult to calculate the dose when consuming complex dishes, with active physical exertion;
doses are greater, which means it is impossible to completely get rid of jumps in glucose.

Insulin pump

An insulin pump allows you to smoothly control glycemia and forget about jumps in glucose, especially at night and after eating. The most advanced technology that allows you to smoothly control glycemia and forget about jumps in glucose, especially at night and after eating.

The user can only follow the readings and, if necessary, adjust the operation of the device. But because of the high price, insulin pumps are not used so often.

Principle of operation

A pump is a small device that consists of a pump to which a replaceable cartridge with insulin is connected, and an electronic control module (compact computer) that controls the injections. The device through the infusion system introduces small doses of ultra-fast and short-acting insulin for 24 days at regular intervals. There is also a bolus regimen – additional doses of the hormone after a meal are introduced to compensate for the intake of carbohydrates.

The insulin pump simulates the pancreas and smooths the glycemic curves. With the right settings, you can forget about hyperglycemia and the effect of the “morning dawn.”

How long can I use the pump

The cost of the pump is quite high, although some patients manage to get it for free as part of state diabetes programs. The device itself is able to last at least 4-5 years. But the user will have to regularly change the infusion sets (every 3 days), as well as insulin cartridges.

Pros and cons of using a pump

Advantages:

instead of daily injections, one puncture of the skin in 3 days;
smooth (natural) compensation for diabetes, it is possible to reduce the dynamics of fluctuations in glucose levels;
it’s easier to adjust the pump to fit your lifestyle, to reduce the rate of glycated hemoglobin;
many models have a built-in calculator of insulin doses, track the amount of medication administered and warn of possible hyper- or hypoglycemia.