Subcutaneous insulin is insulin designed and packaged for subcutaneous administration. It can be a synthetic insulin product or an animal derivative, with synthetics being extremely popular in many regions of the world. People obtain subcutaneous insulin by prescription only and must observe a number of handling precautions for the insulin itself along with the needles and other supplies needed to administer it. Generally, people who use subcutaneous insulin will need a medical sharps container to handle their medical waste.
The most common reason to need subcutaneous insulin is because of type I diabetes, characterized by insufficient production of this vitally necessary hormone. Type I diabetics take insulin to compensate for the hormone their bodies are not producing, and subcutaneous administration tends to be the preferred drug delivery method. It is also possible to take transdermal or inhalation insulin. No versions of insulin are available for oral administration currently, because it would be broken down in the stomach before it could be absorbed.
There are two ways to administer subcutaneous insulin. The first is with a subcutaneous injection in an area like the stomach or the arm. In this case, the injection site is prepped by cleaning with an alcohol swab, and the patient draws up insulin, uses a prefilled needle, or breaks open an insulin pen. The device is used to inject the insulin just under the skin, so that it can be absorbed by the body. Dosages and schedules vary, depending on the patient. Injection sites may need to be periodically rotated to avoid infections and other problems.
Another option is an insulin pump. Insulin pumps can deliver a steady infusion of subcutaneous insulin along with boluses, larger doses which can be triggered by the patient. Some patients with diabetes prefer using a pump to handling needles, and may find the pump more comfortable for being out and about. Pumps can be prescribed by a physician after doctor and patient discuss the risks and benefits of the pump and the patient indicates a full understanding of how the pump should be used.
There are a number of brands of subcutaneous insulin on the market. Both short and long acting versions are available for patients. Long acting versions can increase the time needed between injections, making insulin administration less intrusive, while long acting versions can be used to deliver insulin quickly when a patient is in need of an immediate infusion.