[Stuboy]

Insulin can sting if it's COLD when it goes in. It helps if you dont keep the insulin cartridge currently in use in the fridge, it's fine at room temp for 28 days, most people use a couple or few cartridges in that time anyway so it's ok.

Try injecting room temp insulin and see if that lessens the sting.

[HollyB]

And push the plunger SLOWLY. My son says it stings if he shoots it in fast -- much less if he injects bit by bit -- about a unit at a time.

But he's never used Lantus, which I understand stings for some people no matter what.

[judi t]

Originally Posted by shades9323

Doesn't "poking around" potentially increase the pain? The best way I have found is to just jab it in there. Don't put the needle in slowly, a swift jab does the trick for me.

I'd say the swift jab might be the problem - well, for me anyway. I always remember doctors/nurses injecting me and doing that thing where they think they have to puncture an orange - as I was originally taught to inject. I find the 'poke around' then inject slowly, gently, is almost always completely pain free. I say that having given myself the occasional flu shot, where it was like injecting a pencil (!) - I kid you not - and it still didn't hurt. It's all about technique and practice makes perfect.

[orpy]

So...I always inject in my stomach area and right now I am sporting some really blue bruises...veryugly...so I can inject in my thighs? Does it matter where as far as how the body takes in the insulin? I am going to try the poke and prick method as I am getting way too many ugly bruises...recently I pulled out the needle and blood really poured out..yuck.

Another question, I feel like I'm getting flabby around my middle (although I'm relatively thin at 118 pounds)...is the insulin adding to my flab?

[IrishJoe]

I don't use needles very much anymore (pumping), but I discovered something a while back. When I touched the needle to the place I was about to inject into, and it stung - I chose another site, even very closeby. When I touched the needle to a place that doesn't sting or cause any special sensation, it didn't hurt there! Also, injecting cold insulin can be uncomfortable. Room temperature is better.

Also, you can pinch harder and the pinch hurts and not the needle!

that's right if yo ujust gently 'probe around' if it stings in one place move an inch to the left or right and usually its ok then.

[birdyland]

Originally Posted by Jan B

I don't use needles very much anymore (pumping), but I discovered something a while back. When I touched the needle to the place I was about to inject into, and it stung - I chose another site, even very closeby. When I touched the needle to a place that doesn't sting or cause any special sensation, it didn't hurt there! Also, injecting cold insulin can be uncomfortable. Room temperature is better.

Also, you can pinch harder and the pinch hurts and not the needle!

This is EXACTLY what I do....