Dialing insulin refers to setting the correct dose on your insulin pen before injecting. While the reference video focuses more on injection sites, we can extract some helpful information about the process and combine it with general knowledge:
Understanding Insulin Pens
Insulin pens are designed to deliver precise doses of insulin, making them convenient for managing diabetes. Here's how to dial your insulin dose, generally applicable across different pen models:
Steps to Dial Insulin
- Prepare the Pen:
- Always wash your hands before handling an insulin pen.
- Attach a new pen needle to the pen, removing both the outer and inner needle caps.
- Prime the pen by dialing a small dose (usually 2 units) and ejecting it. This ensures that the needle is working properly and the insulin is flowing.
- Dialing the Dose:
- Look at the dosage window on the pen.
- Turn the dose knob on the pen to set the required insulin dose.
- The number in the window indicates the dose in units.
- Make sure the dose matches the amount prescribed by your doctor.
- Injection Site:
- The preferred site for insulin administration is the abdomen, from your rib cage to your hips, and as far laterally as you can comfortably.
Key Considerations
- Consult Your Doctor: Always follow your doctor's prescribed insulin dose and instructions.
- Correct Insulin Type: Double-check that you have the correct insulin type and concentration.
- Prime Each Time: Always prime the pen before each injection to ensure correct dosage and insulin flow.
- Rotate Injection Sites: Rotate injection sites to avoid skin issues and ensure proper insulin absorption, with the abdomen being one of the preferred areas as referenced in the provided video.
- Needle Disposal: Safely dispose of used pen needles in a sharps container.
- Insulin Storage: Store insulin pens as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Example
If your doctor has prescribed 10 units of insulin, you would rotate the dose knob until the dosage window shows “10”. Double check this number before injecting.
Summary
Dialing insulin involves preparing the pen, setting the dose using the dose knob and checking that it corresponds to the number of units prescribed. Always double-check your insulin dose and type, and follow your doctor's advice. Remember to inject at the appropriate injection site, such as the abdomen, as highlighted in the video reference.
