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Insulin Pens: Types, Storage Tips & How to Use Them

Reviewed by: Melissa Herrmann Dierks , RDN, LDN, CDCES
Insulin Pens: Types, Storage Tips & How to Use Them

People with type 1 and some with type 2 diabetes require regular insulin injections in order to help keep their blood glucose level within their target range. In recent years, insulin pens have become a popular insulin delivery method because of the ease and convenience they offer relative to using a vial and a syringe. Many individuals on the go find that insulin pens are a better fit for their busy lifestyle, as do those who have dexterity issues, or who have poor vision and struggle to see the small markings on syringes.

In this article, we’ll learn all about insulin pens — the different types of insulin pens available, the pros and cons of using them, and more.

An Overview of Insulin Pen Parts

Almost every insulin pen is made up of the same basic components. These components, or parts, are as follows:

Insulin pen parts

Every insulin pen should include three caps: a pen cap, an outer needle cap, and an inner needle cap. These caps, along with a paper tab, keep the needle clean and protect it from damage. Note that the needle should be changed with each injection for accurate dosing — leaving the needle on the pen between doses can promote leakage — and to minimize discomfort. A rubber seal connects the needle to the insulin reservoir, which holds the insulin. If you use a reusable insulin pen, the insulin reservoir will contain a disposable insulin cartridge. In most pens, the insulin reservoir is transparent, so you can easily see how much insulin is left in the pen or cartridge.

The dose window, which is typically located in the center of the pen or toward the bottom of the pen, shows the number of units of insulin selected. Some insulin pens may include a dose knob, which you can twist to dial the right insulin dose. In others, the injection button — also commonly referred to as a plunger — may act as both a dose knob and a means of administering the insulin injection.

Different Types of Insulin Pens

There are two different types of insulin pens:

  • Disposable pens contain prefilled insulin supply. Depending on the type of insulin they use, disposable pens are designed to be thrown away either when they’re empty or when the pen has been used for 28–32 days.
  • With reusable pens, you can dispose of an insulin cartridge — the container that holds the insulin — once it’s empty and replace it with a new one.

Note that, with regard to dosage, certain pens measure in half-unit increments for each dose, while others measure in whole units.

Individuals who use insulin pens must also select pen tip needles, which screw onto the top of the pen and are changed with each injection. When choosing pen tip needles for your insulin pen, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that you consider both length and gauge (thickness of the needle), noting that shorter needles are more effective for all body types, and that needles with a higher gauge are typically thinner and less painful.

Be sure to consult your healthcare professional if you need more information about why you have been prescribed a specific type of insulin or pen, or if you need more information about pen tip needle choices.

How to Save on Insulin Pens

There are a few ways you can save on insulin pen costs:

  • Many insulin pen brands offer coupons and special programs that can reduce your out-of-pocket cost, so be sure to visit their websites for more information. Here are a few programs from popular insulin pen brands to help you get started:
  • Compare prices on prescriptions and get free coupons using GoodRx.
  • If you get your insulin pump or other diabetes supplies through a mail order distributor, ask whether they can also fill your insulin pen prescription. Many suppliers have a full pharmacy and can bundle your diabetes supplies and medication together.
  • Ask your healthcare provider if they have prescription discount cards in the office.
  • Ask your pharmacist if they have access to discount coupons on their computer. Some pharmacists can access these cards directly from their system, which can help you save on your co-pay.

For even more tips on how to reduce the cost of managing diabetes, we recommend reading our full article on the subject.

How to Use an Insulin Pen

Many of the general guidelines for using an insulin pen are the same as for administering an injection with a vial and a syringe. For additional tips and techniques for taking insulin injections, we recommend reading our comprehensive guide.

The process for administering an insulin injection using an insulin pen is as follows:

  1. Check the pen to make sure that you have the proper type of insulin and that the pen (or cartridge, if you’re using a reusable pen) isn’t expired. You should also make sure that the pen or cartridge contains enough insulin for your dose.
  2. If you’re using pre-mixed insulin (cloudy), roll the pen between the palm of your hands a few times to mix it. You may skip this step if you’re using fast-acting or long-acting (clear) insulin.
  3. Attach a clean pen tip needle and remove the cap. It’s important to always use a new pen tip needle with each injection to reduce the risk of infection and lipohypertrophy (a buildup of extra fat under the skin) and to make the injection process less painful.
  4. Prime the pen by pointing the needle up in the air, dialing one to two units, and pressing the plunger (the injection button) with your thumb until a drop appears.
  5. Turn the dial on your pen to your desired insulin dose.
  6. Select an injection site. Avoid injecting near the belly button — try to stay a few inches away. Also, remember to regularly rotate injection sites and not to overuse a single site, as this can cause lipohypertrophy.
  7. Make sure your skin is clean to reduce the risk of infection. If you are at a high risk of infection, be sure to consult your healthcare professional for additional instruction.
  8. Pinch the skin at the injection site between your thumb and forefinger.
  9. Push the needle into the skin at a 90° angle with a quick motion, making sure that the needle is all the way in.
  10. Let go of the skin pinch and push the injection button with your thumb at a steady rate until the insulin is delivered. Keep the needle in the skin for the count of 10 to ensure that all of the insulin has been delivered.
  11. Pull the needle straight out.
  12. Dispose of the pen tip needle properly in a sharps container, which you can find at your local pharmacy. For more information on how to properly dispose of a used pen tip needle, please refer to the FDA’s guidelines on sharps disposal. Do not store the used needle on the pen and do not reuse needles.
  13. Monitor your blood sugar throughout the day as instructed by your healthcare professional, including before driving.

Pros & Cons of Using Insulin Pens

Not sure whether using an insulin pen for injections instead of a traditional vial and syringe is right for you? Here are a few things to consider:

 

Insulin Pen Pros Insulin Pen Cons
Insulin pens are easy to use compared to using a vial and syringe, making them a popular option for people of all ages who have diabetes and lead an active lifestyle. Insulin pens can be more expensive than using a vial and syringe, so it’s important to consult your health insurance provider when evaluating different insulin delivery methods.
Small, discreet, and portable, insulin pens can be carried in a pocket, purse, or backpack. People using insulin pumps also keep insulin pens as back-up in the event of a pump or infusion site problem. Although certain insulin pens come with prefilled insulin cartridges; not all insulin pens are compatible with all types of insulin.
Insulin pens enable you to measure doses using a dial, making insulin dosing more accurate and efficient. Insulin pens tend to leave a little insulin in the cartridge, which some may find wasteful.
Certain insulin pen brands use color-coding or eye-catching designs to distinguish pens based on the different types of insulin they use, which is especially helpful for individuals with impaired vision.

How to Store Your Insulin Pen

The ADA advises that new insulin pens be refrigerated, and that insulin that is currently in use be kept at room temperature. It’s important to note that insulin kept at room temperature will last approximately one month, and that insulin should never be kept in areas exposed to extreme temperatures, such as in the freezer or in direct sunlight. A good general rule of thumb is to keep your insulin at temperatures that you’d be comfortable in.

Additionally, insulin pens should not be stored with the needle attached, as this can affect the cleanliness and sterility of the needle, leaving you at risk of infection. Storing your insulin pen with the needle attached can also lead to insulin leaking out. Always be sure to check the expiration date on your insulin pen or cartridge prior to administration. When in doubt, refer to and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage.

Where to Purchase Insulin Pens

Most insulin pen brands are available at your local pharmacy, through your preferred mail order distributor, or through your healthcare provider.

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Reviewed by: Melissa Herrmann Dierks , RDN, LDN, CDCES

Melissa Herrmann Dierks RDN, LDN, CDCES is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in Huntersville, NC with over twenty-five years of professional experience in the field of nutrition and diabetes education. In addition to providing nutrition solutions for adults and children, she provides nutrition communication services to the food and beverage industry and is the owner of Supermarket Savvy. Melissa has held various sales and marketing positions for leading companies in the diabetes space including insulin pump, blood glucose monitor, and diabetes supply distribution companies.

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