Insulin Syringes For Diabetics
It was in the early 1960s that the first disposable syringe was introduced. Disposable syringes are a boon for people suffering from diabetes as they make life comfortable and easier for diabetics who need to administer insulin directly.
Many patients buy Disposable Syringe and insulin bottles in bulk as this allows them to avail of huge discounts.
Diabetic patients who use insulin and syringes to manage diabetes have to be very careful about the products they use. Insulin is generally stored in the fridge. However, injecting insulin that is cold may be painful, in which case insulin may be stored at room temperature. But if you have more than one bottle, it is recommended that you keep the unused bottles in a fridge. Only the current bottle should be kept at room temperature. When you are ready to use the fresh bottle, bring it down to room temperature and start using. A bottle kept at room temperature will last for a month. Insulin bottles must never be exposed to extreme heat, cold or sunlight.
In case you are buying in bulk, it is important to check the expiry date of the bottle you buy. Regular insulin must be clear. Look for discoloration or any suspended particles. In case patients use the Lente or NPH variety, look for clumps or frost on the bottle. These need to be returned to the manufacturer.
Insulin requires syringes. In the past, patient comfort was of little importance to manufacturers. But, as more and more products enter the market, manufacturers are paying attention to making insulin syringes that administer the medicine with the least amount of discomfort or pain. So, powder coatings on needles and easy to use syringes are common in the market.
But, there is something to be remembered. Many people reuse syringes in the belief that there is no harm in reusing these as they are the only users. However, it must be kept in mind that manufacturers always recommend that syringes be thrown away after a single use. Syringe makers do not guarantee the safety of used insulin syringes. There are chances of infection spreading even if the patient is the only one using it. Many patients make use of alcohol swipes to clean these insulin syringes. However, the alcohol also removes the powder that is coated on the needle to help it slide into the skin easily.
When insulin syringes are to be disposed, it is important to dispose it responsibly. Insulin syringes are medical wastes. These should not be dumped into trash bins. Instead, the needles must be clipped off. Scissors should not be used to snip off the needles as they may fly and hurt someone. Place the syringes and needles in a heavy-duty bottle or plastic bag while disposing them.
These days, insulin pens are becoming popular devices for introducing insulin into the bloodstream directly. According to research, people who are using insulin for the first time are better off using insulin pens than insulin syringes. However, many people find using syringes easy and are comfortable with the system of administering insulin. Some amount of care and discretion can help you use insulin syringes safely and accurately.