New Member

[Mrs. Spit]

Good Evening:

I'm Mrs. Spit, Toby's Human #2. Toby was diagnosed with Diabetes today and we've started on insulin. My mother is a Type 1 diabetic, and I knew my husband (that's human number 1) would have an easier time with an insulin pen, so I've gotten one. We are also set up with a blood glucose monitor. I have a quick question for those of you who have an insulin pen - what size sharps are you using?

I asked the pharmacist for the smallest and shortest, thinking it would be less painful, but Toby is a medium haired cat, and when you start with 1 unit of Lantas, that's not a lot of insulin. Even if you miss and just get fur, it's hard to tell. I'm wondering if it might be easier with a longer sharp, if anyone has any experience?

Thanks for your assistance.

 

[Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)]

Hi, and welcome!
I used u40 syringes (for PZI insulin), and the needle was a 29 gauge, 1/2" long needle. You can also get them 5/16th" long. I think most lantus users actually use syringes, and I think that is because it is easier to be more accurate with the dose? I am sure one or more of them will be along soon to tell you how they do it. But I think they stick the syringe into the pen, and draw up only what they need, then use the syringe to shoot.

My kitty is a short-hair, but there are tricks for long-hairs too. I just read one a couple days ago, that suggested using a water dampened cotton ball to wet the hair around the injection site before you try to "tent" his skin. That way you can keep the hair out of the way, and actually see the skin you are trying to shoot in to.

Many people do use the shorter 5/16th needles because they find it easier to use. Not really a "pain" issue though. I know my Bob never flinched from the needle. I don't think it hurts near as much as we think it does. It just "looks" like it should hurt. As long as you are tenting the skin properly, when the needle goes in, it isn't going to make contact with anything but the skin (you won't hit muscle).

Carl in SC

 

[MJ+Donovan]

Hi - I was asked to describe to you how to use a syringe to get a dose of Lantus from the pen. This illustration is pretty clear I think:

 

[MommaOfMuse]

Part of the reason most of us don't use the sharps that go on the pens, is because most of the time we are giving doses that are smaller than full units, although we do purchase the pens because of such small doses we are able to use most of the insulin in the pens before it goes bad, as opposed to the vials.

Mel, Maxwell, Musette & The Fur Gang

 

[Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)]

If you do decide to use the syringes to shoot with, the ones you would need would be "U100" syringes. That is VERY important because Lantus is a "U100" type insulin. You would most likely need a prescription for them. You can get them with short 5/16" or longer 1/2" needles. They also come with markings just at the "whole unit" lines on the scale, or with 1/2 unit marks. The ones with 1/2 unit marks are best, because somewhere along the way, you will be dosing in less than whole unit increments. The 1/2 unit marks will help you out and not require as much "eyeballing".

Carl