Rotating Injection Sites
Injecting in the same place much of the time can cause hard lumps or extra fat deposits to
develop. These lumps are not only unsightly; they can also change the way insulin is absorbed,
making it more difficult to keep your blood glucose on target.
Follow these two rules for proper site rotation:
• Same general location at the same time each day.
• Rotate within each injection site.
Injecting a dose of insulin with the insulin pen.
Injection site rotation is important for both insulin syringe and pen users.
Same Time, Same General Location
Insulin is absorbed at different speeds depending on where you inject, so it's best to consistently
use the same part of the body for each of your daily injections. For example, do not inject your
lunch bolus dose in the abdomen on Monday and in the thigh on Tuesday. If you have picked the
thigh for your evening injection, then continue to use the thigh for all of your evening injections.
Most insulin enters the blood:
• Fastest from the abdomen (stomach)
• A little slower from the arms
• Even slower from the legs
• Slowest from the buttocks
Inject your mealtime bolus doses into the abdomen. Insulin is absorbed fastest when injected into
this area. Fast absorption is needed at mealtimes to cover the carbohydrates you are about to eat.