Any other way of taking insulin?!
Question: So im 16 i have been diabetic (Type I) almost a year and i have been using injection shots of insulin and take it in my leg (right in the morning, left at night) and i have started to get lumps from were i take it.
i dont mind taking it because i mean i have to lol...
but i was wondering if there is any other ways of taking insulin?
and if so then how do i go around starting to use them, do i need consent from my diabetic nurse?
i have heard about a machine that you can carry around with you but i dont want to have to carry it around all the time...
anyway hope you can help me...thanks :)
Answers: So im 16 i have been diabetic (Type I) almost a year and i have been using injection shots of insulin and take it in my leg (right in the morning, left at night) and i have started to get lumps from were i take it.
i dont mind taking it because i mean i have to lol...
but i was wondering if there is any other ways of taking insulin?
and if so then how do i go around starting to use them, do i need consent from my diabetic nurse?
i have heard about a machine that you can carry around with you but i dont want to have to carry it around all the time...
anyway hope you can help me...thanks :)
There has been an inhaled insulin on the market, but its been pulled off by the manufacturer, because people just didn't like it.
You can look into getting an insulin pump instead of doing shots, but I'd recommend using more than just your thighs for your injections. Try alternating several areas of your body- thighs, abdomen, butt, hip, and the fatty part of your upper arm.
To help prevent lumps rotate these areas constantly. Also, if you are on large doses, it can help to split the dose into two shots and do them in two different areas, so that there isn't such a big deposit of insulin in one spot.
Massaging the area the next day, gently, might also help, because it increases circulation.
For info on the pump, talk to your diabetes educator and I would also recommend that you search Yahoo groups for diabetes pump groups. Join one or even two and ask see what people who are using these pumps have to say about them.
I'm on the "poor man's pump" multiple shots every day. I prefer to do my shots this way, I think the lumps you would get with the pump would be even worse than with shots, plus its a LOT more expensive to use.
You do not need consent from your nurse to change to other sites on your body, but you should make sure that any site you use is OK for injecting. It certainly wouldn't hurt to talk to your nurse or doctor first.
For locations read this page
http://www.diabetes.org/for-parents-and-...
Site Rotation
Rotating where your child receives shots keeps her skin healthy and aids in predicting the speed of insulin absorption. Repeated shots in the same spot can cause fat deposits -- called lipohypertrophy -- that make the skin look lumpy.
Injecting into sites showing evidence of lipohypertrophy can delay the absorption of insulin. Lipohypertrophy can usually be prevented by regular site rotation.
In general, insulin shots can be given pretty much wherever there's enough fat under the skin. The main areas are the abdomen, thighs, and the back of the upper arms. The abdomen is generally used the most. It's easy to reach and the insulin is absorbed from the abdomen at a more consistent rate from shot to shot. Site rotation is different for every person, but here are the basics.
Each injection site should be about the size of a quarter, so you only have to move about a finger-width away from your last shot each time you rotate. You and your child should devise a way to keep track of the site rotation.
Make certain that you don't inject too close to moles or scars.
Some people rotate only within a certain body area, like the abdomen. Others may use the abdomen for morning injections and the thigh or some other area for evening injections. Talk to the doctor or diabetes educator about the best options for your child.
If you inject in the arm, use only the outer back area of the upper arm (where the most fat is). Otherwise, you run the risk of injecting into a muscle. If you inject in the thigh, use only the top and the outside area. Stay away from the inner thighs-rubbing between the legs can make the injection site sore. If you inject in the abdomen, don't do it too near the navel. The tissue there is tougher and makes the insulin absorption less predictable.
Sometimes, your child can develop lipohypertrophy even if you rotate sites. If the skin around an injection site(s) begins to look lumpy, stop using that site and consult the doctor.
You are talking about an insulin pump. It is surgically inserted, minor procedure, and depending on how it's set up, you can give yourself a dose of insulin through this without the needle stick. You need to seek out a doc that specializes in endocrine medicine.
I use my lower abdomen as an injection site. I use humalog pens during the day and lantus via syringe at night.
There is also an insulin pump and a new insulin inhaler as delivery methods.
There is the insulin pump. You can also give yourself injections in the belly. It sounds awful, but I think it is not as painful as the legs
Currently, the only way to take insulin is by injection...by using needles or a pump.
I use an insulin pump...I have been for years. I urge you to explore the option. Go to www.minimed.com for more information. Yes, there are other pump manufacturers but Minimed has been around the longest and they have a solid reputation.
The insulin pump is not surgically inserted. There is a cannula under the skin that you change yourself every few days. Basically, it's a shot once every 3 days. The pump is worn on your belt much like a pager or cellphone. There is a length of tubing that connects the pump to the cannula. The pump infuses a constant supply of insulin and you just tell the pump when you need more (for meals and such). If yu decide to get a pump, you will go through a training course to learn how to use it.
Inhalable insulin was taken off the market due to expense and lack of interest. It was worth a try...but it didn't make the grade.
EMT