Newbie diabetic :S

Moonpaws1945 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 11:55 AM

Hi all. I'm new to diabetes, and this website. I'm seventeen and type 2, needles are my worst fear. And I wouldn't mind if anyone could tell me another way of taking the insulin in the most painless way possible! I already know about the pinch some fat trick. I was just hoping for some new idea's or ways.
Thanks all.
Emma.

JediSkipdogg · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 12:12 PM

Hello and welcome to this site. They put you straight on insulin as a type 2? That's kinda interesting since they usually start out type 2s on pills and then see if insulin is needed. Are you on any oral medications? I'm slightly confuzzled here.

am1977 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 02:20 PM

Hi Emma!

I'm afraid I don't have any "tricks" to injecting... I'm actually pretty horrible at it myself (and it's been over 4 years

). And I, frankly, hate to do it, I find it SO much worse than testing, but neither are something I have a choice in. I have to do both.

Anyway, I actually still struggle to inject quickly... I'm more of a slow injector

. But I think to just do it fast, and get it over with, is really the best way

. If it's the pain you are worried about... I know someone suggested to me once to ice the area first and get it nice and numb, then just jab and go!

I still haven't been able to do this, but, hey, maybe it would work for you.

I don't know too much about your insulin regimen from your post... How often do you take insulin? If it's several times a day, you may want to consider an insulin pump. I went from MDI (multiple daily injections) which equates to about 5 shots a day to just having to inject a new set about once every 3 days. What a HUGE difference!

I know there are some T2 pumpers on the forum, hopefully you'll hear from them too. They could give you more info on what pumping is like for them as well.

I wish you luck- hang in there

Cyborg · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 04:37 PM

I usually inject at a fatty spot on my abdomen. It helps if I inject slowly and if the insulin or symlin is left to warm up a few minutes before injecting.

Tim_Roy · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2006, 07:48 PM

Her profile says she's Type 1. Maybe she's a bit confused about which type is which? I used to sometimes get 'em screwed up after 20 years of being a diabetic.

There's inhalable insulin, though honestly I wouldn't recommend it to you. Haven't tried it myself, it just SEEMS like a bad idea to me.

A pump is probably the way to go. You'll get over your fear of needles once you depend on them to stay alive.

Alene · #6 (**permalink**) 07-16-2006, 03:53 PM

I very rarely feel my injections. Make sure you have the smallest needles possible. I use 8mm and they're a lot more comfortable than 12mm, the ones I started out with.

gettingby · #7 (**permalink**) 07-16-2006, 07:24 PM

There are numerous items on the market that will help.
At one time, there were things called jet injectors that used high pressure air to inject insulin into the body. Not sure if they are still around or not

Keezheekoni · #8 (**permalink**) 07-16-2006, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gettingby

There are numerous items on the market that will help.
At one time, there were things called jet injectors that used high pressure air to inject insulin into the body. Not sure if they are still around or not

There are still jet injectors (my husband calls them hyposprays LOL), but depending on your insurance company, they may or may not cover them. My insurance company's CPBs state that they will only be covered for those who have dexterity issues.

Rikki

A.Z. · #9 (**permalink**) 07-17-2006, 02:02 AM

hey we where diagnosed at the same age! I take pills not insulin for now but I have a family history of Type 2 so I think am type 2.

JasonJayhawk · #10 (**permalink**) 07-19-2006, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.Z.

hey we where diagnosed at the same age! I take pills not insulin for now but I have a family history of Type 2 so I think am type 2.

Are you overweight? If so, there's a chance you are Type 2 (90% of Type 2people are overweight).

I heard a statistic that something like 2 out of 5 children diagnosed as Type 2 are rediagnosed as Type 1 within one year. I'm still having trouble with the source, but I think it may have been an audio presentation by someone).

buzzborne · #11 (**permalink**) 07-19-2006, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim_Roy

There's inhalable insulin, though honestly I wouldn't recommend it to you. Haven't tried it myself, it just SEEMS like a bad idea to me.

A pump is probably the way to go. You'll get over your fear of needles once you depend on them to stay alive.

I got offered to go on the uinhaled insulin.. but even my Dr's said that its prob not the best way forward... it is sooo big and chuncky and the little capsule things... they only represent bout 3 units of insulin... so you could be puffing away!! lol

The pump.. as you are in the UK... you would have to talk to your Dr and nurse about it becuase of the guidelines and funding etc...

I dont have a fear of needles but about 5yrs ago (aged 15) I was given a thing called adn Insulflon which i could inject through so I wasn'y injecting 4 times a day.. and this thing is chaged every 3 days and it is only one needle!
maybe that could be a way forward?

There is a pic of it on the children with diabetes website... sorry im not sure of the address... maybe someone could help me out?

Lorna · #12 (**permalink**) 07-19-2006, 12:57 PM

I read somewhere that some people find injecting less painful if you keep the pen you are using OUT of the fridge. Think it's just a case of getting used to what works for you. You can also ask your doctor about changing the make of needles on your pen. If I were you I would also ask about a pump, but seeing as you are in the UK, it is unlikely you will get funding. I was recently told I could have one if I wanted to self finance it.

Good Luck, and I am sure injections will become easier.

A.Z. · #13 (**permalink**) 07-20-2006, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonJayhawk

Are you overweight? If so, there's a chance you are Type 2 (90% of Type 2people are overweight).

I heard a statistic that something like 2 out of 5 children diagnosed as Type 2 are rediagnosed as Type 1 within one year. I'm still having trouble with the source, but I think it may have been an audio presentation by someone).

I weighted 196 pounds and with the diebetes, I drop 10 pounds so With the diet I've drop to 179.

Stuboy · #14 (**permalink**) 07-29-2006, 03:42 AM

hey, im also newly diagnosed...

fortunatly i dont have a fear of needles... altho it did take me a good 15 minutes to do it myself for the first time with the nurse.

How long is your needle? Im pretty slim so im only using a 6mm needle... I find it easy to let the needle almost "fall in" to my stomach rather than push it in... I rest the needle point on my stomach (above my appendix scar) and slow breath in (letting my stomach push out not my chest) so the needle breaks the skin and your stomach litterally pushes itself onto the needle. So you're not actually pushing the needle into yourself it just kinda falls in when you breath in... i hope this makes sense???

Anyway, just thought i'd put my 2pense worth in, as a newly diagnosed type 1 im in the same position, i've only been doing it for 3 days now and this is the easiest way that i've found.

Good luck!!