Injection Sites – Type 1 Diabetes

Your educator will demonstrate the best way to give insulin injections. The preferred place to give insulin is in the tummy because insulin is absorbed more evenly and the tummy is less affected by exercise than other sites. You can also give insulin into the upper thigh to obtain a slow absorption rate if given at night. It’s important not to give insulin into an area that is going to be exercising a lot eg the arm if your child is going to play tennis or the leg if your child is going to play football, as the insulin will be absorbed quicker. Insulin absorption is quickest from the tummy then arms, buttocks and thighs. Discuss with your educator what is best for your child. The following illustrates the best places to give insulin.

It’s important not to inject into the same spot all the time – it’s easy to do, as it doesn’t hurt so much! However, your child will then have unsightly fatty lumps (lipohypertrophy) if they do this, and insulin absorption will be reduced. It’s best to encourage your child to rotate their injection sites.

Insulin injections should be given into the fatty layer under the skin not into muscle, as this tends to speed up the insulin absorption. You should take a pinch of skin and give the injection at a 90 degree angle, as shown below. A short (8mm) needle is best, particularly for children with little fat. There are 5mm and 6mm pen needles also available for particularly lean children.

Source: http://www.diabeteskidsandteens.com.au/living_with_diabetes_3.html