It matters more than
your patients may realize.
Without proper injection technique, patients with diabetes may be at increased risk for developing lipohypertrophy (LH).1 LH is a thickened, rubbery swelling of fat tissue at injection sites that can cause inconsistent insulin absorption.3 LH often results from needle reuse and improper site rotation.2
When patients consistently injecting into LH were asked to rotate injection sites for 3 months, their average HbA1c dropped from 7.9% to 7.0%4 — significantly reducing daily insulin requirements.†
Watch this to learn more.
With every injection just two small steps can make a difference.2
- 1. Replace your needle.
- 2. Rotate injection sites.
Keep their injection
experience healthy.
Insulin syringe and pen needles are designed for single use. Re-using needles has been reported to increase injection pain and may increase the risk of needle and skin damage.3
Every time you fill an insulin syringe, pen needle or injectable medication prescription, establish the importance of replacing needles and rotating injection sites to help avoid LH and promote consistent insulin absorption.
Recommend injection
site rotation.
It's important to rotate injections within each site and between sites on a regular basis. This may allow patients to more consistently absorb the insulin they inject and help them better manage their diabetes.2
The arms, abdomen, thighs and buttocks are generally recommended injection sites.
The latest clinical recommendations for proper injection technique guide patients towards using needles 6mm or less3, regardless of BMI.6
Suggest a shorter
needle length.
Insulin is meant to be injected into the fat layer just below the skin for consistent absorption. Injected into the muscle, insulin may work too quickly, which may lead to low blood sugar.3 Shorter needle lengths (6mm or less) decrease the risk of injecting into muscle.3
Did you know over 50% of patients inject with a needle longer than clinically recommended?10
BD’s innovative shorter needle technologies optimize the injection experience.
BD Nano™ 4mm Pen Needles
- BD’s smallest, thinnest pen needle gets insulin to the fat layer over 99.5% of the time, at all injection sites.6
- EasyFlow™ Technology for less effort to inject.7
- PentaPoint™ Comfort for a smoother, gentler injection experience.8
- Compatible with all leading insulin pens.#
BD Insulin Syringes with the
BD Ultra-Fine™ 6mm needle
- Preferred by 80% of patients.*9
- 53% shorter than 12.7mm needles.+
- Reduces the risk of painful injections into the muscle.6,8
BD Nano™ 4mm Pen Needles and BD Insulin Syringes with the BD Ultra-Fine™ 6mm needle are covered by most healthcare plans, including Medicare Part D.^
Show you care. Print and share these resources with your patients and staff.
BD’s injection technique awareness campaign supports pharmacists and their patients with diabetes. Print and share these support materials with your staff anytime.
This patient counseling sheet is perfect for sharing.
This tip sheet includes some helpful conversation starters.
Patients with diabetes see a doctor just 3–4x per year. They see their pharmacist up to 28x per year.11 These visits are opportunities for you to educate your patients about the benefits of proper injection technique.
Want to learn more? Contact BD today!
1.888.BDCares
1. De Coninck C, et al. Results and analysis of the 2008-2009 Insulin Injection Technique Questionnaire Survey. J Diabetes, 2010. 2(3):168-79
2. Blanco, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of lipohypertrophy. Diabetes & Metab, 2013. 39:445-453
3. Frid A, et al. Diabetes Metab, 2010. 36(2): S3-S18
4. Grassi, G, et al. J Clin & Translational Endocrinology, 2014. (1)145-150
5. US Roper Diabetes Patient Study – Insulin Devices, 2012
6. Gibney, M., et al. Curr Med Res Opin. 2010;26(6):1519-1531
7. Aronson R, et al. Clinical Therapeutics 2013;35:923-33
8. Hirsch LJ, et al. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. 2012;6(2):328-35
9. Answers & Insights Mkt Rsrch Sep 2010
10. Symphony Rx Data, July 2016
11. Joslin Communications (2012). More Than Pill Dispensers: How Your Pharmacist Can Help Your Diabetes, Diabetes Day2Day
# In the U.S. as of September 2015, ISO-compliant
† n = # of patients studied
* Compared to their current needle sizes: 8mm and 12.7mm
+ Compared to 12.7mm x 30G
^ Co-pays and coverage amounts vary by state.
1613312777NNPHARMMS