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The team does not and cannot offer clinical advice. If you have any urgent medical enquiries we urge you to contact your GP, or NHS Direct at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or by calling 0845 4647. In an emergency call 999

The right way

Information

Insulin comes in the following containers/devices:

Vials
Cartridges for insulin pens
Preloaded insulin pens
Insulin pump systems

Insulin is usually injected into the fatty layer under the skin (subcutaneously) so insulin needles are short. The subcutaneous dose is either injected all at once (bolus) or as a continuous infusion (insulin pump). If insulin is given intramuscularly it works very quickly and can cause rapid hypoglycaemia. The effect is even faster intravenously and insulin is usually infused slowly rather than given as a bolus. Intravenous insulin infusions must be diluted – 50 units of Actrapid® insulin in 50 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride.

Because insulin is so concentrated – 100 units per ml - it must be given in a special 100 units per ml insulin syringe. Never use an ordinary syringe. See what can happen here: True Story: CPS to review insulin death case (PDF 25KB)

Note – insulin syringes from abroad or for pets may be for different insulin strengths.

Insulin is also given with insulin pens (preloaded with insulin, or with insulin cartridges that you insert) or through insulin pumps.

Guidance

Check – how should I give my patient’s insulin?

Insulin syringe?
Insulin pen – preloaded or with cartridges?
Insulin pump – let the patient do it or ask a diabetes specialist nurse or doctor?