Insulin pens are a common and convenient method for insulin delivery. A frequent question among users is whether to “prime” the pen before each injection. Priming is important for effective insulin therapy, ensuring the device functions as intended and delivers the correct medication amount.
Understanding Insulin Pen Priming
Priming an insulin pen involves expelling a small amount of insulin into the air before injection. This process removes air bubbles that may have accumulated within the insulin cartridge and needle. Air bubbles can form due to temperature changes, pressure shifts, or pen handling.
The purpose of priming is to guarantee an accurate insulin dose. If air bubbles are present, they can take up space meant for insulin, leading to under-delivery. Priming also confirms the needle is clear and properly attached, ensuring consistent insulin flow and that the pen mechanism is working correctly.
When to Prime Your Insulin Pen
It is recommended to prime your insulin pen before every injection. This consistent practice helps ensure each dose is accurate and the pen functions optimally. While it might seem like a small amount of insulin is wasted, the benefits of accurate dosing outweigh this minor loss.
Priming is important in several scenarios. Always prime a new pen when you start using it. Each time you attach a new needle, priming is essential to clear any air that may have entered. If the pen has not been used for a while, or if you suspect air bubbles are present, performing the priming step is also important.
Step-by-Step Priming Guide
Properly priming an insulin pen is a straightforward process. First, attach a new, sterile needle to your insulin pen by screwing or pushing it on securely. After removing both the outer and inner caps from the needle, keep the outer cap to safely remove the needle later.
Next, turn the dose knob to select a small priming dose, typically 2 units of insulin, though some manufacturers might recommend 3 units. Hold the pen upright with the needle pointing towards the ceiling. Gently tap the cartridge to encourage any air bubbles to rise to the top near the needle.
Finally, press the injection button fully until the dose counter returns to zero. You should observe at least one drop of insulin, or a small stream, appear at the tip of the needle. If no insulin appears, repeat the priming steps until a drop is visible. If, after several attempts, no insulin flows, the needle may be clogged, and a new needle should be attached before attempting to prime again.
Risks of Skipping Priming
Neglecting to prime an insulin pen carries several risks that can affect blood glucose management. One significant risk is inaccurate insulin dosage. If air bubbles are present in the pen or needle, the volume set for injection may include air instead of insulin, leading to an under-delivery of the prescribed dose. This under-dosing can result in hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, as the body does not receive enough insulin to regulate glucose levels effectively. Conversely, if subsequent doses are overcompensated due to previous under-dosing, it could potentially lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
Another consequence of not priming is the potential for discomfort during injection. Injecting air along with insulin can cause a sensation of pressure or stinging at the injection site. Skipping priming also means the needle’s patency is not checked, and a clogged or faulty needle might prevent any insulin from being delivered, leading to a completely missed dose.