How to inject insulin - A step-by-step guide

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1. Wash both your hands with soap and water.

2. Dry your hands with a tissue paper or a hand towel.

3. Select the injection site at the abdominal area.

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4. Cleanse the injection site with an alcohol swab.

5. Wait for the alcohol to dry.

6. Lift the skinfold using a thumb and the index finger.

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7. Inject insulin at 90 degrees perpendicular to the injection site.

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8. Inject the dose by pressing the circular tip all the way in at a steady speed.

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9. Withdraw the insulin syringe and apply light pressure on the injection site using a cotton wool swab/alcohol swab.

10. Discard the used insulin syringe into a container (e.g. plastic bottle subsequently sealed with a cap) before disposing it into the rubbish bin.

How to store insulin vials

Insulin Storage Remarks
Insulin in-use At room temperature (max. approximately 25-30°C for 4 weeks.

Once the vial is in use, it need not be kept in a fridge.

Label each vial with a date on the sticker.

Brand new insulin

In the fridge at 2-8°C.

Do not store insulin in the freezer!

Insulin should be removed from the fridge at least 30 minutes before injecting.

Always check the expiry date before using the insulin.

Note: Each insulin vial is for single patient use only.

See page 2 for how to mix short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin.

See page 1 for how to draw insulin from a vial using a syringe.

Ref: O17

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