Diabetes and your pet - 4 - Insulin and Injecting

Storing insulin

• Insulin should always be stored in the fridge, even if the bottle has not been opened.
• Once a bottle has been opened, you must discard it after 1 month, even if it is not finished.
  
• Caninsulin is available in 2.5ml bottles, which can be very useful for animals which require small doses.
• Do not allow the insulin to freeze, this will destroy it.
• Always store the bottles upright.

Injecting insulin

• This is often the most daunting thing about treating animals with diabetes, but it is not as difficult as it may first appear. Your vet will take you through the procedure step-by-step.
• Do not worry about hurting your pet, the insulin needle is very small, they will hardly feel it!

Injecting insulin, a step by step guide;

1. After getting the insulin out of the fridge, swirl the bottle gently to mix the contents. DO NOT SHAKE the bottle, this can damage the insulin molecules.
2. Tip the bottle upside down, and push the insulin needle through the rubber top of the bottle. There is usually a circle embossed on the rubber, aim for the middle of that.
3. Pull down the syringe plunger, go further than the amount you need. Flick the syringe if any bubbles appear, these should then rise to the top and can be pushed back into the bottle.
4. Push the plunger upwards until you have the correct insulin dose in the syringe.
5. Remove the needle from the bottle and replace the needle cap.
6. Ensure your pet is comfortable and not stressed.
7. Pick up the scruff on the back of the neck. This will 'tent' the skin. Aim the needle towards the bottom of the 'tent' and push it through the skin.
8. Once you are sure the needle is through the skin, press the plunger.
9. Remove the needle from the skin, and place it immediately in a secure container. Your vet will be able to supply you with a medical 'sharps' bin.
   

Injecting tips

• Ask your vet to clip the hair away from the back of your pets neck. This allows you to better see where you are injecting, and therefore you can be sure the needle goes through the skin.
• It is important your pet eats before they have their insulin. A good tip is to inject them while they are eating, they are much less likely to notice!
• The graduations on the insulin syringes are very small, and can be difficult to see. There are different volumes of syringes, so in some the graduations are further apart. Also, some syringes come with magnifying lenses, to help make the markings on them clearer. Ask your vet about this.
• If you are concerned, or have any questions, speak to your vet, they will always be happy to help.

Try injecting your pet while they are eating, they will be distracted and much less likely to notice.	Insulin syringes come in different sizes, and also with magnifying lenses to help make the markings on them easier to read.	This cat has had the fur on the back of the neck clipped off, making it easier for his owners to see where they are injecting. This is a good idea when you are just learning how to give insulin.