LIVING WITH DIABETES

How do I manage my injection routine during my pregnancy

Organisation

I have built-up a list of medical devices including

must-haves and optional extras to help me manage

my diabetes

Devices for blood glucose monitoring:

Test strip

Devices to manage injections:

Sharps container

Non refillable injection pen

Hub to attach the needle onto the pen

Zoom

ed vie

w of the needle

New generation of pen needle with a built-in removal system

Inner cap for maximum protection when the needle is in its packaging

Tab to protect the sterility of the needle

Conventional needle with outer cap

Safety lancets or standard lancet and lancing device to prick the skin to obtain a blood sample to measure blood sugar levels

I have also learnt about what a pen needle is. It helps to understand everything so

I don’t need to worry

or

Blood glucose meter

Refillable injection pen

1. King L (2003) Subcutaneous insulin injection technique. Nursing Standard. 17, 34, 45-52. Date of acceptance: February 17 2003. 2. I.V. Misnikova et al. Journal of Diabetology. The Risks of Repeated Use of Insulin Pen Needles in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. February 2011; 1:1. 3. Teresa Torrance. Effect of insulin needle reuse, size and site of injection on the risk of bending and breaking. Journal of Diabetes Nursing Vol 12 No 1 2008.

Reusing a pen needle can lead to several problems:

Follow these steps for good injection routine:

I learnt that it’s important to only use the needle once. A good injection routine will minimise the risk of poor glycaemic control 2

Accumulation of bacteria on the needle 2

Air bubbles

Drug leakage

Air bubbles in the cartridge and leakage 1

Needle blockage and clogging 1

Breakage of the needle tip 3

Whole needle breakage3

Needle bending 3

Good Injection Guide for Pregnant Women with Diabetes

Injections site

Using the abdomen results in most rapid and consistent absorption*

Make sure you rotate and avoid the area around the umbilicus.

* Berard,L, et al. FIT Forum for Injection Technique Canada. Recommendations

for Best Practice in Injection Technique October 2011

First wash your hands

with soap and water.

Remove seal and push

the new needle straight

onto the pen. Screw tight.

1 2 3

GIGGESTATIONAL/OB/0616/01

Supported by Unifine® Pentips® Plus10 secs

Push the button down completely. Keep the button pressed down, count slowly

to 10 before removing.

Inject the needle straight at a 90º angle

Prime your pen as recommended and dial

the required dose. Remove the needle and place it in the removal system until it clicks using one or two handed techniques.

Dispose of the needle in a suitable sharps container.

owenmumford.com

590°4

6 7 8

This card is for educational purposes only. You should always follow the injection technique that your healthcare professional recommends. If you have any queries ask your Diabetes Nurse or Healthcare Professional for help.

10 secs

Push the button down completely. Keep the button pressed down, count slowly

to 10 before removing.

Inject the needle straight at a 90º angle

Prime your pen as recommended and dial

the required dose. Remove the needle and place it in the removal system until it clicks using one or two handed techniques.

Dispose of the needle in a suitable sharps container.

owenmumford.com

590°4

6 7 8

This card is for educational purposes only. You should always follow the injection technique that your healthcare professional recommends. If you have any queries ask your Diabetes Nurse or Healthcare Professional for help.

Notes:

A unique needle with a built-in removal system for pens used in self-injection therapy

For more info visit owenmumford.com

Convenience at your fingertips

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