Insulin pens offer a convenient, portable solution to manage diabetes and maintain blood sugar levels. Small enough to fit in your pocket, they provide a quick dose of insulin with a button push.
Compared to syringes and vials, insulin pens are simpler to use, more discreet, and offer greater flexibility in terms of where and when you can inject insulin.
Types of Insulin Pens
When selecting an insulin pen, it’s crucial to match the insulin type to the pen type. Using the wrong insulin in a pen can lead to improper delivery.
There are four main types of insulin pens:
Standard Insulin Pen
Designed to be compatible with any insulin, standard insulin pens are an excellent option for those who frequently change insulin types.
Detachable Insulin Pen
These pens allow you to switch out the cartridge to use different insulin types in the same pen, making them ideal for those who regularly switch insulins.
Push-Pull Insulin Pen
Featuring a retractable needle, push-pull insulin pens can be used with different types of insulin, making them suitable for regular insulin users.
Disposable Insulin Pen
Disposable insulin pens are perfect for those taking less than three injections per week. They’re cost-effective and convenient since you can dispose of them after use.
How to Use Insulin Pens
Step 1: Choose the correct cartridge (or reservoir), fill it with your preferred insulin dose, and insert it into the pen.
Step 2: Prime the pen by pressing down on the plunger until you see a few insulin drops. This ensures you receive the correct insulin dose, preventing waste and improving accuracy.
Step 3: Set the dose. Some pens have preset doses, while others feature an adjustable dial. The recommended dose will be printed on the pen’s side.
Step 4: Select the injection site, insert the needle, and press the button to administer insulin.
Step 5: Remove the needle and place the used pen in a medical waste container.
Insulin Pen Brands
A variety of brands offer insulin pens, including:
- ADMELOG SoloStar
- Apidra SoloSTAR
- Autopen Classic
- BASAGLAR KwikPen
- Fiasp FlexTouch
- Humalog Junior KwikPen
- Humalog KwikPen
- Humalog Mix 50/50 KwikPen
- Humalog Mix 75/25 KwikPen
- Humalog U-200 KwikPen
- Humalog 70/30 KwikPen
- Humalog N KwikPen
- Humulin R U-500 KwikPen
- InPen
- Insulin Aspart FlexPen
- Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart Injectable Suspension Mix 70/30 FlexPen
- Insulin Lispro U-100 KwikPen
- Lantus SoloStar
- Levemir FlexTouch
- Lyumjev KwikPen
- Novolin 70/30 FlexPen
- Novolin 70/30 ReliOn FlexPen
- Novolin N FlexPen
- Novolin N ReliOn FlexPen
- Novolin R FlexPen
- Novolin R ReliOn FlexPen
- NovoLog FlexPen
- NovoLog Mix 70/30 FlexPen
- NovoPen Echo
- Semglee Pen
- Toujeo Max SoloStar
- Toujeo SoloStar
- Tresiba FlexTouch
Insulin Pen Needle Sizes
Using the correct needle size is vital to ensure proper insulin delivery and reduce the likelihood of injection pain.
Three commonly used needle sizes with insulin pens are:
- 22-Gauge
A standard size, 22-gauge needles, are ideal for regular or long-acting insulin.
- 31-Gauge
31-gauge needles are for rapid-acting insulin like Humalog or Novolog.
- 33-Gauge
33-gauge needles are for long-acting insulin.
Insulin Pens for Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin pens are a valuable option for those requiring insulin injections. Push-pull insulin pens stand out as they allow easy cartridge changes for different insulin types.
Consult with your doctor about the best insulin injection method for your needs.
Conclusion
Insulin pens provide a convenient and portable way to manage diabetes and maintain blood sugar levels. They are compact enough to carry around and deliver accurate doses of insulin with one simple push. Available in various types, they cater to specific needs and simplify diabetes management.