More on Insulin Part 3

How do I take the insulin?

Your health care provider will give you instructions on how to take your insulin. He or she will tell you which insulin delivery system - such as syringes, pre-filled insulin pens, pump or jet-spray injector - is right for you. Your health care provider will describe:

• What supplies to use
• How to measure and mix your insulin
• How to prepare and discard the needles and syringes
• How to perform the injection procedure

When should I take insulin?

Follow your doctor's guidelines on when to take your insulin. The time span between your insulin injections and meals may vary, depending on the type of insulin you are taking.

• If you take lispro (Humalog) insulin, you should generally take it 10 minutes before eating a meal or take it with your meal.
• If you use regular or intermediate-acting insulin, you should generally take it before your meals or at bedtime. By taking your insulin before meals, you are allowing your food to be absorbed at the same time that the insulin starts to work. This will help you avoid a low blood glucose reaction.
• Make sure you take your insulin and eat your meals on time every day.

Where should I store insulin?

• Always have two bottles of each type of insulin you take. The bottle that you are using may be stored at room temperature (between 33 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit) for 30 days. Follow these guidelines:
• Keep insulin where it will not get too hot or too cold.
• Keep insulin out of direct sun.
• Store extra bottles of insulin in the refrigerator (do not allow it to freeze).
• Do not allow your insulin to freeze.
• Take your new bottle of insulin out of the refrigerator the night before you are ready to use it, so that it warms to room temperature.
• If you are carrying your insulin, be careful not to shake it. Shaking the bottle creates air bubbles which can affect the amount of insulin you withdraw for an injection.

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