Making Insulin Injections Easier

If your family member handles their own injections, you can still provide help and support by following the suggestions below:

• Many seniors and caregivers find that an insulin pen is easier to use than an insulin syringe. And short, thin needles like the BD Ultra-Fine™ Nano 4mm Pen Needle can help make injecting less painful.
   
• If reduced vision or poor manual dexterity are a concern, look for a specially-designed insulin pen to make injections easier. Ask the doctor or diabetes educator which insulin pens might work well for your family member. BD pen needles fit all insulin pens and dosers sold in the U.S., so you have the freedom to choose the injection device that’s best for your loved one.
   
• Insulin syringe users with reduced vision or dexterity may benefit from the BD Magni-Guide™ device. This device is manufactured for people who have difficulty reading the scale on the syringe and need help in stabilizing the syringe and bottle of insulin. Learn more
   
• You can respect your elderly family member’s independence and still provide assistance by pre-filling insulin syringes and storing them in the refrigerator with clear labels for “breakfast”, “lunch” and “dinner.”

If you and other family members give the injections, make the experience a positive one by:

• Reading the discussions on our website about site selection and site rotation. If you remember the “same time, same place” rule when injecting your family member, you can help promote consistent insulin absorption on a day-to-day basis.
   
• Using care when pinching up the thin, frail skin. Ask the doctor if you can use a BD 4mm pen needle, which does not require pinching-up.