A poor injection technique links to erratic glycaemic control
Diabetes injectable agents rely on the correct injection technique for optimal effect. Using an incorrect technique, including use of inappropriate needle length, failure to rotate the injection sites, as well as the reuse of needles, can lead to injectable therapies being absorbed in an unpredictable manner.
This can cause immediate problems, such as hypoglycaemia (when insulin is injected into the muscle where it is absorbed at a fast rate), and/or hyperglycaemia (when the insulin is injected into an area where it is poorly absorbed).8,9
It is well known that poor glycaemic control increases the risk of long-term complications, including kidney failure, blindness and limb amputation.10,11
The subcutaneous layer is the recommended site for injectable insulin and GLP-1.12 Injecting into the subcutaneous layer allows the insulin to be absorbed at a more predictable rate which can result in better glycaemic control.13
Lipohypertrophy, which is the accumulation of fatty, rubbery tissue in the subcutaneous layer caused by repeatedly injecting into the same area, is a major problem associated with use of a poor injection technique. Lipoatrophy, which is the wasting of subcutaneous fat, can also develop over time.
It has been estimated that approximately half of people with diabetes will experience lipohypertrophy at some time in their lives.7 Generally, it is understood that injecting into areas of lipohypertrophy or lipoatrophy results in variable absorption and erratic glycaemic control.