Should I Pinch Skin Where I Inject Insulin

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Injection tips

Learn the proper way to inject with a pen or insulin syringe

Whether you employ a pen or an insulin syringe, proper injection technique is critical to skilful diabetes management.^ane

Pinch-up technique

Larn how to utilise a compression-upwardly technique when you inject

Depending on the length of your needle and your body type, yous may or may non need to use a pinch-upwards technique when you inject. Apply the following tabular array every bit a full general guide, merely you should e'er follow your healthcare professional person's instructions:

If yous use a 4-5 mm needle	Inject at xc degrees with no pinch-up technique.^2*
If yous use a 6-mm or longer needle	Inject at 90 degrees with a pinch-up technique.^two

If y'all are injecting into a pinch-up, practise proper technique to avoid intramuscular (IM) injection.

Right technique

A correct pinch-up is made by lifting the skin with the thumb and index finger.¹

Incorrect technique

If the skin is lifted using the whole mitt, muscle may be lifted as well equally subcutaneous (SC) tissue, which tin can atomic number 82 to intramuscular injections.¹

Products and resources

BD Nano™ 4mm pen needle

Larn how the BD Nano 4mm pen needle is designed for easier and more comfortable injections, for all types of people.

BD insulin syringes

Acquire more about the BD insulin syringes with the BD Ultra-Fine™ 6mm needle, designed with advanced technology that makes a difference you lot can feel

View resources

Read the latest recommendations from diabetes experts that can help you advance your diabetes management.

Notes

* Children from two to 6 years old or extremely lean adults may need to use a pinch-up technique.^three

References

Frid AH, Kreugel G, Grassi 1000, et al. New insulin delivery recommendations. Mayo Clin Proc. 2016;91(9):1231-1255.
Gibney MA, Arce CH, Byron KJ, Hirsch LJ. Skin and subcutaneous adipose layer thickness in adults with diabetes at sites used for insulin injections: implications for needle length recommendations. Curr Med Res Opin. 2010;26(6):1519-1530.
Lo Presti D, Ingegnosi C, Strauss K. Skin and subcutaneous thickness at injecting sites in children with diabetes: ultrasound findings and recommendations for giving injection. Pediatr Diabetes. 2012;13(7):525-553.