This information will help you find out what you need to know about insulin injection.

Storage

A new and unused pen should be stored in a fridge. The pen that is being used can be stored at room temperature.
During usage it is best to have the pen at room temperature, the insulin will mix more easily.

The first time you use the pen you must:

• Roll the pen between your hands 10 times – it is important that the pen is kept horizontal.

All times before use:

• Turn the pen up and down, at least 10 times, so that the ball inside the pen makes a sound and mixes the insulin.
• This process makes sure the 2 types of insulin are mixed and the fluid inside the pen should be all white.

Insulin injection

Measure your blood sugar just before your meal. The insulin should be injected before the meal. Injections before breakfast and lunch should be given in the stomach and injections before dinner in the thigh.
Even though you are pregnant, there is no risk for the baby when injecting in the stomach.

• Wash your hands.
• Turn the pen up and down at least 10 times.
• Put on a new needle.
• Press the trigger button to get the insulin out in the needle. If you see a drop of insulin the pen is ready. If not turn the pen on 1 and press again.
• Set the pen on the ordinated unit (you can always turn back if necessary)
• Before you inject, remember to move the injection site 1-2 cm from you last injection.
• Press the trigger button, the pen will click for every unit. Press it all the way to 0.
• Let the needle stay in the skin for 10 seconds and then remove it. The needle is to be used only one time. Remove the needle from the pen and put in the yellow needle bin.
• Eat immediately after the injection. There must go no longer than 10 minutes from the injection until you eat.
• Remember to measure your blood sugar 1½ hours after the beginning of the meal.

Blood sugar

It is important, that you measure your blood sugar before and after the meals as usual, and then an extra time before you go to bed.
If your blood sugar is under 6 before bedtime, eat a piece of crispbread or rye bread.

• If your blood sugar is under 4 it is too low, you might experience some of these symptoms: Dizziness, feel uncomfortable, headache, jitter, hunger, aggressive behavior or feel your heart pounding.

If you have any of these symptoms, we advise you to measure your blood sugar an extra time. A blood sugar under 4 requires you to drink ½ a glass of juice and eat crispbread or rye bread. If it is under 3,5, please contact Graviditet Klinik 1. After 3 p.m. contact the assessment unit.