Name of the Procedure:

Insulin Syringes (100 syringes, any size)

• Common Name: Insulin Syringes
• Technical/Medical Term: S8490

Summary

Insulin syringes are specially designed for administering insulin injections for the management of diabetes. Sold in packages of 100, these syringes come prepared for delivering various dosages of insulin.

Purpose

Insulin syringes are used for the delivery of precise insulin doses to help manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. The goal is to allow patients to maintain their blood glucose within a normal range, thereby preventing complications associated with diabetes.

Indications

• Diagnosed diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2)
• Patients who require regular insulin injections
• Individuals needing precise dosing of insulin

Preparation

• No specific preparation required for using insulin syringes.
• Ensure the correct dosage as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Sterilize the injection site with an alcohol swab.

Procedure Description

1. Select the appropriate syringe size: Based on the prescribed insulin dose.
2. Draw insulin: Clean the insulin vial's top with an alcohol wipe. Pull air into the syringe, equal to the prescribed insulin dose, inject this air into the vial, then draw the prescribed insulin dosage into the syringe.
3. Injection: Clean the skin site with an alcohol swab. Pinch the skin, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle for subcutaneous injection, and administer the insulin slowly.
4. Post-injection: Remove the needle, dispose of the syringe safely in a sharps container.

Tools/Equipment

• Insulin Syringes (various sizes)
• Insulin vial or pen
• Alcohol swabs
• Sharps disposal container

Anesthesia or Sedation

• Not required

Duration

• A few minutes per injection

Setting

• Can be performed at home, hospital, outpatient clinic

Personnel

• Performed by the patient or a caregiver
• Educated and overseen initially by healthcare providers such as nurses or diabetes educators

Risks and Complications

• Common: Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site, minor bruising
• Rare: Infection at the injection site, allergic reactions

Benefits

• Convenient and accurate administration of prescribed insulin doses
• Improved blood glucose control
• Enhanced ability to manage diabetes and prevent complications

Recovery

• No recovery time needed; patients can continue with their normal routine immediately after injection.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor blood glucose levels.

Alternatives

• Insulin Pens: Easier to use for some patients but may be more expensive.
• Insulin Pumps: Provide continuous insulin delivery but require more intensive management.
• Oral diabetes medications: May be suitable for Type 2 diabetes patients but not for all cases.

Pros and Cons of Alternatives

• Insulin Pens: More convenient, less painful but costlier.
• Insulin Pumps: More consistent blood glucose control but higher upfront costs and maintenance.
• Oral medications: Non-invasive but not viable for Type 1 diabetes.

Patient Experience

• Patients might feel a slight pinch or discomfort during the injection.
• Pain management involves using a fresh needle and rotating injection sites.
• Over time, most individuals become accustomed to the routine of insulin injections and experience minimal discomfort.