Insulin Delivery Options
Insulin cannot be taken by mouth because the body would digest it like food. Instead, insulin must be injected into your body. There are several insulin delivery options available, including syringes, insulin pens, and external insulin pumps.
Syringe: Syringes come in a range of sizes of needle gauge, needle length, and syringe capacity. Learn how to inject using a vial and syringe.
Insulin pen: Pens may be either prefilled or reusable. They often look like a large writing pen. Some patients find insulin pens easier to use and are handy if you want the convenience of carrying insulin with you in a discreet way. Learn more about insulin pens.
Insulin pump: External insulin pumps are small devices the size of a pager that can be attached to your belt or placed in your pocket. They are made up of an insulin reservoir connected to a tube, ending in a catheter, which is inserted under the skin of your abdomen. They can be set to deliver insulin at a slow, continuous rate throughout the day, or to release larger quantities at meal times or when blood sugar levels are high. The main advantage of a pump is that it more closely mimics the insulin production of a pancreas. However, you still need to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Learn more about insulin pumps.
Which is right for you?
A number of factors should be considered when selecting a method of insulin delivery, including your lifestyle, vision and motor skills, ability to manage the device and give the injection correctly, and, of course, your personal preference. While some may prefer to use the traditional needle and syringe, today's insulin delivery devices, such as the insulin pen, offer greater discretion and may be more convenient to use than the traditional vial and syringe.
Your healthcare team can help you decide which device will best suit your needs and lifestyle, and can also make sure you know how to use the device.
