Injecting insulin

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Can anyone offer any advice?

Have been started on insulin for gestational diabetes and I just want to check I am doing it correctly as just did it the once in hospital then left to get on with it!

When I do the test shot in the air there is some liquid residue on the needle - normal I suppose? Should I try to shake this off or anything? Then I dial the pen to 4 and jab myself but again there is a drop of insulin on my skin? Am I doing something wrong?

They have started me on a very low dose which I think they will increase tomorrow as post meal readings are between 9 and 10 still. Or perhaps I am doing it wrong and the insulin is not getting in?!

Bumping for you. Hope someone can help.

Residue on needle - normal

Drop on skin - well, its probably the bit you saw on the needle. You could try keeping the needle in and count to 10 before pulling it out, to give the insulin more chance to absorb.

Also, try dialling 4 units and just "injecting" them over a bowl. So you can see how much liquid it is. Then you'll get an idea of how small a proportion of it is not going in you each time, iyswim? That drop is prob not significant.

But, as long as it is much the same amount on your skin each time, it won't make any difference. Because they're adjusting your dose based on your response to it, so if you're losing the same tiny amount each time, it won't matter.

Post-meal 9-10 is not bad to start with, as you say, they'll up the dose a bit. Better than giving too much to start with and having hypos.

Oh thank you Bertha you have put my mind at ease :) I did count to 5 so will count to 10 and hope for the best!

Hi - I've been diabetic for 30 years on insulin, and must have done thousands of injections before gtting an insulin pump - so yes as mentioned above count to 10 once in, but if possible try to push the plunger down slow-ish, just so the insulin disperses slowly (your dose isn't huge, but if you put it in too quickly you can end up with a little insulin bump under the skin). The tiny drop will be insignificant in context of the dose, almost unmeasurable, so don't worry, and if you need another unit or so to bring your sugars down hopefully you'll get that advise from your medical team, it'll be the dose rather than the little droplet...

Also remember to change your needle tips regularly and keep the area you inject into varied - just to protect your skin from soreness etc & good luck with everything!! X

Thank you for the advice!

I have been using a new needle every time is that not necessary then? I have been given LOADS and only have 2 weeks until I give birth so I won't run out!

I'm a type 1 and use a new needle every time. They blunt very quickly and hurt more otherwise. Plus my nurse said best not to re-use.