Insulin should be injected into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin (subcutaneous tissue) to ensure proper absorption and reduce pain. The main recommended injection sites are:
- Abdomen: The preferred site for insulin injection. Inject into the fatty tissue in a semi-circle around the belly button, avoiding a 2-inch (5 cm) radius from the navel. This area allows for quicker and more predictable insulin absorption and is easy to reach
- Thighs: The top and outer areas of the thighs, about 4 inches down from the top of the leg and 4 inches up from the knee. Avoid the inner or back parts of the thigh
- Upper Arms: The fatty area on the back or side of the upper arms, between the shoulder and elbow. This site can be harder for self-injection
- Buttocks/Hips: The upper outer buttocks or hips, above the pant line and between the spine and side of the body. This site may require assistance for injection
It is important to rotate injection sites within and between these areas to avoid lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps or scar tissue), which can interfere with insulin absorption. Each injection should be at least 1 to 2 inches (about 2.5 cm) away from the previous injection site, and injections should be done systematically in rows or patterns to help remember locations
. Avoid injecting near scars, moles, broken blood vessels, joints, groin, or the navel itself, as these can affect insulin absorption or cause discomfort
. In summary, the best places to inject insulin are the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks, always into the fatty tissue and rotating sites regularly to maintain effectiveness and comfort.
