Giving yourself an insulin shot takes some practice, but you can do it. Here's how.
Giving yourself an insulin shot takes some practice, but you can do it. Here's how.You'll need alcohol wipes, an insulin syringe, an insulin vial, and a sharps container for the syringe after you use it. Make sure that insulin is at room temperature.Wash your hands well with soap and water.Remove the vial's cap, wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol swab. Let it dry. Take the cap off of the syringe.Always use a new syringe for each shot. On the side of the syringe are marks for units.Your doctor will tell you how many insulin units to inject. Pull the plunger back to your mark. Insert the needle into the top of the vial. Push the plunger all the way down so air goes into the vial. Turn the vial and syringe upside down. Slowly pull back on the plunger until it reaches your mark. Be sure the needle tip is in the insulin.Check for bubbles in the barrel. Remove them by tapping the barrel. If that doesn't work, push the plunger back in and then slowly pull it back to your mark.Remove the needle from the vial. Next, use an alcohol swab to clean the shot area. It's best to choose a different spot each time. Let the alcohol dry.Pinch the skin between your thumb and first two fingers. Hold the syringe in your other hand like a pencil. Put the needle into your skin so that it is pointing straight in. Slowly push the plunger all the way in. Then pull the needle straight out.Throw away the syringe in the sharps container.
Author: Semko, Laura
Online Medical Reviewer: Turley, Raymond Kent, BSN, MSN, RN
Date Last Reviewed: 02/01/2020
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