People have options for taking insulin injections

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Since the development of insulin in the 1920s, people who require the treatment to manage their diabetes have had one means of getting the insulin into their systems - injection. Although that is still the case, the choices for administering those injections are no longer limited to needles and syringes.

According to information contained in a buyers' guide published by the Canadian Diabetes Association, current choices for insulin delivery include syringes, pens, pumps and jet injectors.

The original delivery system, the syringe, uses needles to inject the insulin under the skin. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association information, today's syringes are smaller, have finer points, and are available with short or long needles and with coatings that reduce the pain involved in injecting.

Another delivery option, the insulin pen, looks similar to a regular writing pen, with a needle replacing the writing tip, and insulin cartridges replacing the ink cartridges.

For a needle-free delivery option, jet injectors are available. Instead of using needles to get insulin into the fatty tissues under the skin, jet injectors use pressure to force a small jet of insulin through the skin.

The most complex of currently available insulin delivery systems is the insulin pump. These are computerized, pager-sized pumps worn continuously, providing steady small doses of insulin through a plastic tube with a small needle at the end. The needle is inserted under the skin, and can then be removed, leaving the tube to be taped into place to provide delivery of insulin.

According to Martin McInally, senior manager of media relations with the Canadian Diabetes Association in Toronto, the advantages and disadvantages of each different insulin delivery system are dependent on the individual using them, and should be examined in conjunction with the person's health care team.

Regardless of which means of insulin delivery a person chooses, careful monitoring of blood glucose levels is still required to ensure proper diabetes management.

The Canadian Diabetes Association also advises all people to consult with their diabetes health care team before changing their insulin delivery system.