Review How to Inject Insulin with Your Doctor

When, where and how you inject your insulin affects your blood sugar levels.

Whether you’re new to injecting insulin or have been doing it for many years, it’s crucial that you do it properly. To help you stay on top of your condition, talk to your doctor about it at least once a year. Review your injection instructions and ask questions. If your treatment changes, make sure you understand any new steps.

Controlling and monitoring your blood sugar is a vital way to help avoid or delay serious health problems  related to diabetes. Incorrect time, dose or method of injecting your insulin can make your blood sugar control worse.

Remember these important steps:

• Stick to a routine. Take your insulin at the recommended time each day.
• Wash your hands before you start.
• Make sure the injection site is clean and dry.
• Switch your injection site each time. This helps avoid lumps under your skin that make it harder for your body to absorb the medicine. Switch between your upper arm, outer thighs, buttocks and abdomen.
• Do not reuse needles, and dispose of them safely.
• Store your insulin properly. Insulin works best when it’s stored at the right temperature and used by the expiration date.

Each person’s treatment is different. Be sure to ask your doctor about your specific treatment. It’s also important to tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, supplements or vitamins you’re taking. Some of them can interfere with your insulin.

You’re not alone in treating your diabetes. We want to help you manage your health. Making sure you inject your insulin safely and effectively helps keep your blood sugar level in a normal range so you can stay healthier.

Sources: Diabetes Complications and Risks,  American Heart Association, 2026; Type 2 Diabetes,  Mayo Clinic, 2025; 4 Ways to Take Insulin,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Insulin Routines,  American Diabetes Association