You are injecting insulin into subcutaneous fat layer. The chances of you injecting into a vein are almost nil. Arteries run deep so it is highly unlikely you could hit one if you tried. You may be hitting some capillaries in the skin layer with your needle and thats what makes that drop of blood sometimes come out. Capillaries are very small and again, it is highly unlikely that you would inject a full dose of insulin into one. Your needle would go right through it. It does it to me occasionally and sometimes it even leaves a small bruise. Just be sure that you pinch up a bit of fat before you inject if you are a very lean person to be sure you get into the fat layer and not the muscle. The muscle will hurt and the absorption rate of the insulin wont be the same. Also be sure you are using the right size needle. They have a 5/16" short needle that is good for young people and pretty lean people....and they have a 1/2" needle for those of us with a little more paddingI really need to know how some of you go about avoiding that old artery "hit" when injecting insulin. My insulin info all warn me not to inject into an artery or vein, but, every once in the while, I still "hit" one, and when the needle comes out, so does the blood.
Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Shalom,
Pastor Paul :amen:
Pam: I hit a capillary every once in awhile. It bleeds a little. I also pinch up some flesh. I have always used a short need and I have a little more padding. Does using a short needle then pose a problem?You are injecting insulin into subcutaneous fat layer. The chances of you injecting into a vein are almost nil. Arteries run deep so it is highly unlikely you could hit one if you tried. You may be hitting some capillaries in the skin layer with your needle and thats what makes that drop of blood sometimes come out. Capillaries are very small and again, it is highly unlikely that you would inject a full dose of insulin into one. Your needle would go right through it. It does it to me occasionally and sometimes it even leaves a small bruise. Just be sure that you pinch up a bit of fat before you inject if you are a very lean person to be sure you get into the fat layer and not the muscle. The muscle will hurt and the absorption rate of the insulin wont be the same. Also be sure you are using the right size needle. They have a 5/16" short needle that is good for young people and pretty lean people....and they have a 1/2" needle for those of us with a little more padding
Cheers
Pam
I dont think it poses a problem for hitting capillaries...I use the longer needle and it still happens to me. I prefer the longer needle to be sure I get well into my *abundant* fat layer
I use my abdomen most of the time. I find I have the best absorption rate there. Plus, its the easiest to get to. I will sometimes use my thigh I just have to pinch up as much as I can since they are leaner than my tummy. Its hard to reach your own arm..especially using the pens. Usually I get my hubby to give it to me there. If you use your arm the best place is the back of your arm where it tends to be the "fleshiest". Again, be sure you pinch enough so that you don't hit muscle. The first time my hubby did it for me it went right into the muscle...ouch. http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/pdfs/pdf_2184.pdf There is a basic diagram of places to inject. Hope this helps!
It is possible... I've had it happen twice in the last 5-6 years. That is why I wrote this post, I wondered if anyone had a secret to missing the "blood tubes". I've gotten some very good suggestions and feedback...:rapture:
In a good way! Thanks for the info on Milk Thistle. Even though my liver enzymes aren't elevated, there is so many medications that pass through your liver. A little extra protection will help.oh no...we are contagious
