Problems and complications of improper insulin injection: Insulin injections are one of the main methods of diabetes management, but if not done properly, they can lead to various problems and complications.
Here are some of the Problems and complications of improper insulin injection caused by incorrect insulin injections:
1. Lipohypertrophy (build-up of fat under the skin)
Repeated insulin injections in a specific spot can cause fat deposits to form under the skin.
This condition, called “lipohypertrophy,” changes the shape of the injected area and interferes with insulin absorption.
Solution:
Continuously change the injection site (rotate injection sites).
Use your doctor’s advice on proper injection technique.
2. Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
Incorrect injection or insertion of the needle into a blood vessel can lead to bruising or bleeding.
Solution:
Check the skin for areas without obvious blood vessels.
Use proper techniques for inserting and removing the needle.
3. Infection at the injection site
Poor hygiene during injection can lead to infection. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus discharge.
Solution:
Wash your hands and clean the injection site with alcohol before injecting.
Use sterile, disposable needles.
4. Pain and discomfort at the injection site
Injecting insulin into sensitive areas or using incorrect techniques can cause pain and discomfort.
Solution:
Choose the right angle (usually 45 or 90 degrees, depending on the thickness of the subcutaneous fat).
Make sure the insulin is at the right temperature (cold insulin can cause more pain).
5. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Injecting too much insulin or not matching it to the amount of food consumed can lead to a severe drop in blood sugar.
Symptoms:
Profuse sweating, shaking, headache, palpitations, or dizziness.
Solution:
Follow the dose prescribed by your doctor exactly.
Regularly check your blood sugar before and after injections.
6. Allergic reaction to insulin or the needle
Some people may have an allergic reaction to insulin or the ingredients in the needle, which includes itching, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Solution:
Seek advice from your doctor about changing the type of insulin or needle.
Check for signs of allergy and treat if necessary.
7. Scar tissue formation
Repeated injections in the same area can cause scar tissue to form, which interferes with insulin absorption and reduces its effectiveness.
Solution:
Change injection sites regularly.
Avoid injecting into damaged or hardened areas.
8. Irregular insulin absorption
Injecting insulin into the muscle instead of subcutaneous fat can cause faster or slower absorption of insulin, which may make it difficult to control blood sugar.
Solution:
Make sure to inject into the subcutaneous fat layer using the right size needle.
9. Skin reactions
Some people may experience dryness, itching, or inflammation at the injection site.
Solution:
Use appropriate, non-allergenic moisturizers.
Consult your doctor if the problem persists.
Key tips for preventing injection problems:
Use the right needles (in terms of length and size).
Follow your doctor’s instructions about the injection site and method.
Never use a disposable needle for multiple injections.
Change the injection site regularly to avoid tissue damage.
Consult your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Conclusion
Although injecting insulin is a relatively simple process, it must be done carefully and with awareness.
Following proper techniques, using sterile equipment, and paying attention to changing the injection site can reduce the risk of complications and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
10. Injecting in the wrong areas
Choosing the wrong areas to inject insulin can reduce its effectiveness and cause problems.
Injecting in areas with a lot of muscle tissue or near joints can cause pain and uneven absorption of insulin.
Suitable injection sites:
Abdomen: The most common injection site because of its even and rapid absorption of insulin.
Thighs: Good for insulin with slower absorption.
Arms: The back or side of the arm, with relatively rapid absorption.
Buttocks: Good for long-acting insulin.
Tips:
Avoid injecting into injured, swollen, or scarred areas.
Choose injection sites at least 1 to 2 centimeters away from previous injections.
11. Problems with fast or slow injection
The speed of insulin injection can also affect its absorption and cause problems such as pain or bruising.
Injecting too fast may cause discomfort, while injecting too slow can take longer and create an unpleasant experience.
Tips:
Insert the needle with gentle pressure and inject the insulin at a moderate rate.
After you finish injecting, hold the needle in place for a few seconds to prevent insulin from leaking.
12. Forgetting to warm cold insulin
Injecting cold insulin (straight from the refrigerator) may cause pain and discomfort, and absorption may be affected.
Solution:
Let the insulin sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before injecting.
Avoid exposing the insulin to heat or direct sunlight.
13. Repeated use of disposable needles
Reusing disposable needles multiple times can cause blunting of the needle, pain, infection, or skin damage.
Tips:
Use a new needle each time.
Dispose of the needle safely after each injection.
14. Not paying attention to the timing of insulin injections
Incorrect timing of injections, especially in relation to meals, can lead to a sharp increase or decrease in blood sugar.
Tips:
Rapid-acting insulin should usually be injected 15 to 30 minutes before a meal (unless your doctor tells you otherwise).
Always inject long-acting insulin at the same time each day.
If you change your diet or daily activity schedule, coordinate your injection schedule with your doctor.
15. Not paying attention to changes in your body and insulin needs
Insulin needs may change with physical changes (such as weight gain or loss, puberty, illness, or pregnancy). Injecting incorrect doses can disrupt blood sugar control.
Tips:
Monitor your blood sugar regularly and share the results with your doctor.
If there are major changes in your body, diet, or physical activity, your insulin dose may need to be adjusted.
16. Psychological damage from repeated injections
Some people, especially children, may feel anxious, fearful, or tired due to repeated injections, which can negatively affect their adherence to treatment.
Solution:
Offer relaxation and fun techniques to reduce anxiety.
Use positive reinforcement and small rewards to motivate the child.
If necessary, seek psychological counseling.
Conclusion
Insulin injection, although an essential component of diabetes management, requires precision and proper training. By following the correct techniques, changing injection sites, regularly
monitoring blood sugar, and coordinating with the doctor, many complications and problems caused by incorrect injections can be prevented.
Also, proper education and psychological support for the patient, especially in children,
can make the experience of insulin injection a natural part of daily life and improve the patient’s quality of life.
17. Not knowing about drug interactions and their effect on insulin
Some drugs can affect the way insulin works or blood sugar levels. If the patient is not aware of these interactions, they may experience problems such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Tips:
Before taking any new medication (including supplements or herbal remedies), consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Provide your doctor with a list of medications you are taking to avoid possible interactions.
18. Injecting expired or spoiled insulin
Using insulin that has passed its expiration date or has not been stored properly can reduce its effectiveness and disrupt blood sugar control.
Tips:
Check the expiration date of insulin and do not use expired insulin.
Store insulin at the appropriate temperature (usually 2 to 8 degrees Celsius) and avoid freezing or exposure to extreme heat.
19. Incorrect use of insulin pen or syringe
How you use an insulin pen or syringe has a great impact on the accuracy of the dose injected and its effectiveness.
Incorrect use can lead to the injection of inappropriate doses or wastage of insulin.
Tips:
Before using an insulin pen, read the instructions for it carefully.
Make sure that the needle is properly attached to the pen and that air is removed.
If using a syringe, measure the insulin dose accurately.
20. Failure to coordinate with the doctor for changes in the treatment plan
Sometimes, patients make changes to the dose or timing of insulin injections without consulting a doctor, which can disrupt diabetes control.
Tips:
Any changes to the treatment plan should be made with the approval of a doctor.
If you experience unusual symptoms or changes in lifestyle, consult your doctor.
21. Insufficient training on insulin management in special situations
Certain situations such as temporary illnesses (colds, flu), drastic changes in physical activity, or stress may require insulin dose adjustments.
If the patient or their family is not trained in these situations, they may experience problems.
Tips:
Ask your doctor to provide training on insulin management in special situations.
Monitor blood sugar more closely in special situations to avoid sudden changes.
22. Not paying attention to body weight and its effect on insulin requirements
Body weight has a direct effect on the amount of insulin required. Gaining or losing weight without adjusting insulin dosage can cause problems.
Tips:
Consult your doctor if your body weight changes significantly.
A combination of regular physical activity and a balanced diet helps control weight and makes insulin requirements more stable.
23. Problems caused by ignoring different insulins
There are different types of insulin (short-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting, or mixed), and each has a specific timing and function.
Not knowing their differences can lead to serious mistakes in the treatment plan.
Tips:
Know the type of insulin prescribed and follow its exact timing.
If you change the type of insulin, get detailed information from your doctor or pharmacist.
General conclusion
Injecting insulin is a vital part of the lives of people with diabetes and must be done with care, awareness, and hygiene.
Problems and complications caused by incorrect insulin injection are often preventable,
provided that patients and their families have received the necessary training and are in contact with their doctor.
Observing technical, health, and psychological tips in the insulin injection process can help better manage diabetes and improve the quality of life of patients.
Diabetes, despite its challenges, is controllable, and with proper treatment, people with diabetes can live healthy and active lives.
24. Insulin Dose Miscalculation
A common problem in diabetes management is miscalculating insulin doses, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
This error can occur for a variety of reasons, including lack of awareness, changes in diet or physical activity, and the use of inappropriate equipment.
Tips:
Use accurate equipment such as digital insulin pens or graduated syringes.
Always check your blood sugar before injecting and adjust the dose as recommended by your doctor.
Consult your doctor or dietitian about calculating your insulin-to-carb ratio.
25. Problems caused by anxiety or fear of injections
Some patients, especially children or those with needle phobia, may be afraid of injecting insulin.
This anxiety can lead to resistance to treatment, injection errors, or decreased adherence to the treatment plan.
Solution:
Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or distractions.
Define injections as part of a positive and necessary routine in life.
If necessary, use a psychological counselor to help manage anxiety.
26. Not paying attention to seasonal changes and their effect on insulin absorption
Temperature changes in different seasons can affect insulin absorption. For example, insulin absorption may be slower in cold weather, while absorption occurs faster in heat.
Tips:
In cold weather, gently massage the injection area after injection to increase absorption.
Always store insulin at the right temperature and prevent it from freezing or overheating.
27. Ignoring the effect of physical activity on insulin needs
Exercise and physical activity can lower blood sugar levels, and as a result, insulin dosage may need to be adjusted. Failure to adjust properly can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Tips:
Check your blood sugar before exercise and eat a snack if necessary.
During prolonged physical activity, monitor blood sugar and make sure to carry snacks containing fast-acting sugar.
After exercise, recheck blood sugar and adjust insulin dosage if necessary, in consultation with your doctor.
28. Lack of social and psychological support
Diabetics, especially those who require frequent insulin injections, may feel lonely, stressed, or exhausted from managing their diabetes.
This can lead to reduced motivation to adhere to treatment.
Solution:
Join diabetes support groups to share your experiences with others.
Ask family and friends to help create a supportive and positive environment.
Attend psychological counseling sessions or diabetes education workshops.
29. Lack of knowledge about how to manage hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
Patients and their families should be educated on what to do if blood sugar suddenly drops or rises.
Tips:
For hypoglycemia, carry fast-acting foods such as fruit juice or glucose tablets.
For hyperglycemia, drink more water and measure your blood sugar with a device. If your blood sugar remains high, inform your doctor.
In both cases, get the necessary training from your doctor to inject a correction dose.
Final conclusion
Managing diabetes with insulin requires continuous learning, awareness of your body’s needs, and following medical recommendations.
By paying attention to all the details related to insulin injection, storage, and timing, many problems and complications can be prevented.
Family support and access to educational resources and counseling can help the patient live a healthier and more productive life.
Diabetes management is a path that can be successfully traveled with commitment, patience, and the support of experts.