Steps
Insulin Storage
When you pick up your prescription, we recommend that you store the vials or pens that you are not using in the refrigerator. Do not put insulin in the freezer.
You can keep your insulin at room temperature for up to 28 days, if needed, as long as it is between 59 and 86°F.
Do not leave insulin in your car or in an area where there are high or low temperatures, such as near a window or stove or in your checked luggage on the plane.
You can keep your insulin at room temperature for up to 28 days, if needed, as long as it is between 59 and 86°F.
Do not leave insulin in your car or in an area where there are high or low temperatures, such as near a window or stove or in your checked luggage on the plane.
How to Use an Insulin Pen
You may have either an insulin pen or an insulin vial and syringe. If you have a pen, follow these instructions:
- Remove the pen cap.
- Place the pen needle tightly on the end of the pen. Use a new needle every time.
- Dial up 2 units, and push through the pen needle to prime the needle.
- Then, draw up the number of units you need for your dose.
- Inject your insulin. Continue to the section "How to Inject Insulin" for more details.
How to Use an Insulin Vial
If you have an insulin vial and syringe, follow these instructions:
- Swab the top of the vial with alcohol.
- Draw back your syringe in the air to match the number of units for your dose. Use a new needle every time.
- Inject this air into the bottle.
- Turn the bottle upside down so that the needle tip is under the liquid line (not in the air) and withdraw the same number of units in insulin.
- Remove the syringe.
- Inject your insulin. Continue to the section "How to Inject Insulin" for more details.
How to Inject Insulin
To inject your insulin (either with a pen/needle or vial/syringe):
- Choose your injection site. This can be your stomach (at least 1 inch away from your belly button), back of the upper arms, buttock, or thighs. Change injection sites each time you inject yourself.
- Wipe the area you plan to inject with an alcohol pad.
- Pinch up the skin slightly.
- Inject the needle straight into your skin (at a 90 degree angle).
- Push in the insulin and hold the syringe or needle in place for 10 seconds before withdrawing.
- Remove the needle and discard in a sharps container or check with your local waste department on how to dispose of sharps.
Impact of Exercise
As you know, exercise is important for your long-term diabetes control. It will also impact your daily blood sugar.
- Because of this, you should check your blood sugar before you exercise. If you notice symptoms of low blood sugar, you should also check during or right after exercise.
- The impact of exercise on your blood sugar can last for more than 24 hours.
Different types of exercise can affect your blood sugar differently:
- Most types of exercise cause your blood sugar to drop, so you typically require less insulin if you are eating right before a workout.
- Some exercises (heavy weight lifting, HIIT, sprints, etc.) may increase your blood sugar, so you might need more insulin.
Talk to us about trends you notice when exercising and about how to adjust your insulin dose.
Make sure that you understand how to store and inject your insulin!
If you have questions, please let us know.
