Introduction:
Injections are to be given at different sites. If injections are given at the same site, it may damage tissue. Moving from where the injection site is already used is called site rotation. Following a regular pattern of moving from one site to another is called rotating sites. This action is considered important for insulin absorption.
What Is Insulin?
Insulin is a natural hormone produced in the body and helps regulate blood glucose levels. The pancreas secretes it. It helps the body convert glucose into energy. Insulin plays a major role in allowing the insulin to enter the cells.
If the pancreas does not secrete the required insulin, it may increase blood sugar (glucose) levels. This condition is called hyperglycemia. This further leads to diabetes.
Apart from natural insulin, manufactured insulin is also available. Those with diabetes can use these to manage the condition.
What Is the Function of Insulin?
The role of insulin is to allow glucose to enter into the cells in the body. Glucose is available through consumed foods and drinks and the natural release of glucose from stored glucose (glycogen).
Glucose is considered to be the main source of energy in the body. All the cells in the body require energy. Insulin is a key that helps open the cells so that glucose can enter the cells. In the cells, glucose gets converted into energy.
The required quantity of insulin is a must for glucose to enter into the cells. If insulin is short in quantity, glucose accumulation may be observed in the blood. This results in increased blood sugar and diabetes. A complete lack of insulin may lead to complications like diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA).
What Are the Sites of Injections for Insulin?
Insulin is injected from outside to manage diabetes. The areas of the body that contain body fat (adipose tissue) are considered the best injection sites for insulin.
These include
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Belly: Around 2 inches (5 centimeters) from the belly button.
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Thighs: The front and side of the thighs.
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Arms: The back of the upper arms.
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Buttocks: Upper part of buttocks.
Insulin available can be taken in different ways. Syringes, plastic prefilled insulin pens, and insulin pumps are used. Different sites can be used to administer the insulin based on the delivery method.
What Is Insulin Site Rotation?
Rotating sites is important to avoid the buildup of fatty tissue. This condition is seen whenever the site of injections is not changed and given at the same place. The accumulation of fatty tissue may modify how fast insulin is absorbed from the skin. This further affects blood sugar levels.
It was noticed that insulin can enter the blood at different speeds at different sites.
These include, insulin gets absorbed
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More quickly through the abdomen.
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A bit slower from the arms.
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More slowly from the legs.
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Most slowly from the buttock.
It is better to use one area of the body for the morning insulin shot and another for the evening shot. Most individuals would like to use their legs for morning shots. The reason is that it is easy to get dressed before taking insulin shots in the legs. Arms and other parts may be used for evening shots.
Changes in the daily routine or blood sugar levels may require changing the rotation pattern.
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Injecting into the area that has to be exercised immediately should be avoided. Exercise should not follow the injection shot. This may be because exercise causes insulin to enter the blood more quickly. This may result in low blood sugar levels.
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When the blood sugar levels are high, the site or area that can absorb insulin quickly, such as the abdomen or arms, should be used.
Before injecting the insulin,
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The quality of the insulin should be checked.
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The insulin should attain room temperature before being injected.
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Insulin injection contents should be rolled between the hands. It should not be shaken.
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It should not be used if the contents appear grainy, thickened, or discolored.
Insulin injection plays a very important role in diabetes management, especially among those with type 1 diabetes. The injection site makes a big difference as it may affect its effectiveness and absorption. Insulin injections are to be given to the abdomen, thighs, and back of the upper arm whenever necessary. Site rotation is to be done each time. Site rotation means choosing a new site for injection every time. Site rotation is important to prevent lumps and hardened tissue from developing. Injecting at the lumps or hardened tissue may affect the absorption and effectiveness of the insulin. Insulin injections should be given to fatty tissues and not to muscles. Muscles can absorb insulin quickly.
Site rotation should be done to keep the tissue healthy. A softer site should be used as an injection site, and this site should be avoided for next month. If the same site is used, the absorption of insulin is affected.
Two methods are used when choosing alternative sites.
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Method 1: An imaginary clock should be drawn at the belly button. The site should be rotated from the 12 o’clock position and then moved clockwise to 3, 6 o’clock, and so on.
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Method 2: Draw the imaginary letters M and W on the body part. Each point on the letter can be considered for the injection site at any time. Injections are done in a pattern to avoid using the same site repeatedly. The sites should be up to 2.5 centimeters, or one inch, apart. It can be done straight or in rows about an inch apart. If a pattern is followed, the repetition of the injection sites can be avoided.
Some individuals may develop favorite sites for injections. If a small area is often used, it may lead to the development of lipohypertrophy. This condition exhibits large bumps that affect the absorption of insulin. If the affected areas are due to repeated sites, scars and bumps may disappear if left for 2 to 3 three months.
Conclusion:
Insulin is very important for the body's energy use. Blood glucose needs insulin to enter the cells. Insulin injections are used to manage diabetes. There are disadvantages to using the same site for insulin injections. Hence, knowing about insulin, its function, and injection sites becomes important. Knowing about insulin helps determine the advantages and disadvantages of rotating the injection sites. This helps avoid the complications of using the same site often.
