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.

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.

Insulin injection

Long-term Insulin is often injected morning and/or evening. This type of insulin does not immediately affect you blood sugar and can therefore be injected without eating afterwards.
Long-term insulin absorbs fastest when administered in the thigh. 

• 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 your 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.

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 you’re 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.