Comparison of Two Commonly Used Insulin Injection Techniques

Abstract

In ten patients with insulin-dependent diabetes we compared postprandial blood glucose levels and plasma free insulin concentrations after the administration of insulin mixtures with two commonly used injection techniques. The morning dose of insulin was administered once using a 13 mm needle, inserted perpendicularly, and once with a 20 mm needle, inserted deep subcutaneously just above the muscle fascia at an angle dependent on the skinfold thickness. Plasma free insulin concentrations and postprandial blood glucose levels were virtually identical for either technique. We conclude, therefore, that the simpler perpendicular method is the technique of choice, saving the diabetics much unnecessary anxiety over a daily procedure.