$Unique_ID{BRK01202}
$Pretitle{Endocrine Glands and Metabolism}
$Title{Changing the Location of an Insulin Injection}
$Subject{insulin injection site diabetes}
$Volume{C-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Changing the Location of an Insulin Injection


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QUESTION:  I have been a diabetic for many years and am used to giving myself
my insulin injections.  I have been on the same dose for several years now,
without the need to change my routine.  Recently I read that altering the
manner in which I inject the insulin, such as changing the location of the
injection, can change the way the insulin works in my body.  Is that true, and
how can that change the potency of the insulin?

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ANSWER:  The effect of the insulin injection can be dependent upon a number of
factors that concern how and where you inject your dose, but it isn't the
potency of the insulin that changes, its the speed of the absorption into the
blood stream that can be different.  For example, insulin gets into the blood
stream fastest when it is injected into the abdomen, with the upper arm next,
and then thigh and buttock in descending order.  The rate of absorption can be
changed if you massage the site of the injection and speeds up with exercise
as well as your body temperature.  Of prime importance is the depth at which
the insulin is delivered, and varying the angle of the needle as it enters the
skin, can alter the depth of the injection even when the needle length is
always the same.  If you change your injection device from your current
syringe, you may also change the speed of absorption.  I am sure you are aware
that injection sites should be rotated to prevent causing changes in the skin
which may result from repeated insulin injections.  In some cases the skin may
become scarred, with the tissue turning fibrous and the number and caliber of
the blood vessels diminishing.  This causes the area to become less sensitive,
in effect it is anesthetized and therefore a temptation to use over and over
again.  However because of the tissue changes, the insulin is absorbed in an
irregular fashion.  Although it doesn't affect your absorption rate, the
timing of your dosage is also important if the insulin is to arrive in your
blood stream when it is needed, at the time of eating for example.  Changing
your schedule of injections, or your time of eating so that the relationship
between the two is altered, may also modify the effect of insulin upon the
system, which is reflected in your blood sugar levels.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
