Two Types of Diabetes Pen Needles
There are two primary types of insulin pens - disposable and reusable. Disposable pens are prefilled with a specific amount of insulin and discarded once the medication is gone. Reusable pens work with a cartridge system containing insulin and are replaced with a new cartridge once emptied.
Benefits of Using Pen Needles
- Pens come prefilled with insulin. So, unlike syringes, the patient does not have to draw the medication from a small vial, which can be difficult for those with dexterity and vision issues.
- Pens allow users to easily “dial up their dosage” for maximum accuracy, helping them reduce the risk of stacking (adding too much insulin while the insulin from a previous dose is still active).
- It is easier to carry and more discreet to administer in public than syringes and vials.
New “Smart Pens”
Recently, smart pens that work with a mobile app to calculate and track insulin doses, provide reminders and alerts, and create detailed reports have been introduced. They’ve proven to help many individuals improve their blood sugar control.
Choosing Pen Needles
All insulin pens require disposable needles that typically range from 12mm to 4mm in length with varying gauges (thickness). Choosing the proper needle depends on a person’s size, body type, and medication dosage. Typically, slighter individuals (kids, too) will benefit from a shorter needle size, say around 6 mm. Those who require a high volume of insulin may benefit from a larger gauge needle to allow for a faster flow of medication with each injection. If you’re unsure what needle size is right for you, please ask your physician.
