Last Updated on Saturday, 08 August 2009 12:16

It's easier than you think

Almost all people with diabetes now use a pen device to inject. They’re a convenient way to deliver a precise dose with minimum fuss.

Your doctor or nurse will explain the different pen devices available and help you choose the one that suits you best.

The pen can either be reusable, using a cartridge that needs to be replaced when empty, or disposable, pre-filled with insulin or incretin hormone and then disposed of when empty. To use a pen, you need to attach a new sterile single-use needle everytime you inject.

Using a pen 

These are general guidelines common to all pen devices, but your nurse will show you how to use your pen. Take time to read your pen’s instruction sheet too.

1. Pull off the cap of the pen. If your pen needs a cartridge, remove the cartridge holder from the pen body. Put an insulin cartridge into the holder. Reattach the holder to the pen body.

2. If the insulin is cloudy, gently tip the pen 10 times and roll it between the palms of your hands 10 times to mix it.

 3. Screw on a NEW needle before each injection. Remove the outer cap of the needle, then the inner cap.

4. Before each injection, check the pen is working. Set the dial to 2. With the pen pointing upwards slowly press the button. A tiny bead of insulin should appear at the needle tip, if not, dial and press the button again until you see it.  N.B. Incretin hormone pens do not need priming

5. Set the dose that your nurse has told you.

6. With your pen prepared for your injection, push the needle all the way into the skin and inject your insulin. Hold down the button for at least 10 seconds after the dial has returned to zero to make sure you get all the insulin you need. Take out the needle slowly.

When you’ve finished, remove the needle with a BD Safe-Clip™ and/or place it in a sharps box ready for disposal

Using a syringe

If you’ve been told to use a conventional syringe, follow the instructions given by your nurse.

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You may want to get a copy of this booklet to keep and refer to from time to time. Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it