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Consumer Guide to Diabetes Products
Insulin delivery devices
Insulin is always administered by subcutaneous injection, i.e. a shallow injection into the layer just under the skin. Whether administered by syringe or pen the needle used for injection is short (5 - 12mm) and very fine (29 - 31 gauge).
Details and advice on injection techniques are given elsewhere in this website. Here we simply comment that the injection should be given into "clean" skin and that with care "disposable" needles and syringes can be used several times.
Many people find the use of "pens" more convenient than vials and syringes. Injections can be administered discretely, in company, without the need to withdraw to a bathroom. For the use of mixed insulins and for paediatric use some people find syringes more convenient. Ultimately it is a personal choice.
For more detail on what is available in New Zealand go to the section on:
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