Learn about our convenient insulin pens, download step-by-step guides, and watch our injection tutorials.
Insulin Delivery Options
Glossary
Insulin
A hormone produced in the pancreas by beta cells, which is necessary for glucose (blood sugar) to be able to enter certain cells of the body and be used for energy.
A hormone produced in the pancreas by beta cells, which is necessary for glucose (blood sugar) to be able to enter certain cells of the body and be used for energy.
Glossary
Pancreas
An organ located behind the lower part of the stomach that produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, and releases them into the bloodstream to help control blood sugar levels. The pancreas also produces digestive enzymes.
An organ located behind the lower part of the stomach that produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, and releases them into the bloodstream to help control blood sugar levels. The pancreas also produces digestive enzymes.
Vial and syringe: Syringes are probably the most common method for injecting insulin. Syringes come in a range of sizes of needle gauge, needle length, and syringe capacity. To learn how to inject using a vial and syringe, click here.
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. To learn about insulin pens, click here.
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. To learn more about insulin pumps, click here.
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 Prefilled Pen, offer greater discretion and may be easier to use than the traditional vial and syringe.
Your healthcare team can help you decide which device will best suit your needs and can also make sure you know how to use the device. The way in which you take insulin should match your lifestyle.
Important Safety Information
Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50 are for use in patients with diabetes to control high blood sugar. Humalog should be used with a longer-acting insulin, except when used in combination with sulfonylureas in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Humalog insulins are contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients sensitive to Humalog or one of its excipients. The safety and effectiveness of Humalog in patients less than 3 years of age have not been established. Safety and effectiveness of Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established. There are no clinical studies of the use of Humalog insulins in pregnancy or nursing mothers.
Potential side effects associated with the use of all insulins include low blood sugar, weight gain, low blood potassium, changes in fat tissue at the site of injection, and allergic reactions, both general and local. Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 should not be mixed with another insulin. Starting or changing insulin therapy should be done cautiously and only under medical supervision.
Humalog insulins are available by prescription only. See the Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50 Patient Product Information for important facts about these products.
Humalog is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 are trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company.
Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50 are for use in patients with diabetes to control high blood sugar. Humalog should be used with a longer-acting insulin, except when used in combination with sulfonylureas in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Humalog insulins are contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients sensitive to Humalog or one of its excipients. The safety and effectiveness of Humalog in patients less than 3 years of age have not been established. Safety and effectiveness of Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established. There are no clinical studies of the use of Humalog insulins in pregnancy or nursing mothers.
Potential side effects associated with the use of all insulins include low blood sugar, weight gain, low blood potassium, changes in fat tissue at the site of injection, and allergic reactions, both general and local. Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 should not be mixed with another insulin. Starting or changing insulin therapy should be done cautiously and only under medical supervision.
Humalog insulins are available by prescription only. See the Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50 Patient Product Information for important facts about these products.
Humalog is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 are trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company.
