For about 80 years after insulin was discovered as a treatment for diabetes, doses were always prepared by measuring insulin from a glass vial by using a syringe with measurements marked on the side. But over the last decade, insulin pen devices have become much more popular.
Europe set the trend on using pens, and the US is following-somewhat slowly. Both the traditional vial method and the pen require a needle to deliver the insulin into the skin. The needle is a big stumbling block for many people, but people become quite comfortable with the process over time and report having little or no discomfort when taking insulin.
So what are the differences between using a syringe/vial or an insulin pen for administering insulin?
| Syringe/Vial Method | Insulin pens |
| Need insulin vial, syringe with needle, and alcohol swab to administer | Need insulin pen, pen needle, and alcohol swab to administer |
| Vial has 1000 units of insulin | Pen has 300 units of insulin |
| Vial is disposed of after use | Some insulin pens have refillable cartridges, most are disposable |
| Use a syringe to pull insulin from the vial into the syringe | You dial/turn a knob to the prescribed dose of insulin |
| You measure the insulin by reading black marks on a syringe | You dial /turn a knob to the desired dose |
| Preparing a dose may be difficult for people with weakness or shaking in their hands | Applying a pen needle to the pen and preparing a dose of insulin is easier for most people |
| Read the black marks on the insulin syringe may be difficult for some | Reading numbers on a dial may be easier |
| Doses up to 100 units can be prepared in a syringe | Largest insulin dose from an insulin pen is 80 units |
Pricing of insulin from vial and insulin pens may vary based on different factors. Your pharmacist should be able to calculate a dose price based on the method.
If you are interested in using a different device to deliver your insulin, ask your physician, diabetes educator or pharmacist if they have a sample to show you. Diabetes expos and conferences often have a vendor who can show you the different devices. Insulin pens are one way to take insulin. Find out more. Diabetes educators are great resources. We are there to help you find ways to manage your diabetes.
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