Type 1 Tips: Injection Sites 101
Putting infusion sites or giving injections in the same spot every time might seem like a good idea at first. It’s safe, it’s comfortable, and most importantly it’s what you know. Doing this however might reduce the efficacy of your insulin over time. Repeated injections in the same spot can create scar tissue if done consecutively for long enough, and scar tissue doesn’t like to absorb insulin very well. Try putting your favorite spots on a regular rotation to try to keep everything fresh. Even better, try to find new spots to use. Don’t neglect the arms and legs!
Additionally, if you use CGMs, try to keep your CGM site separate from where you give insulin. Put a buffer of at least a couple inches between your device and where you dose, and make sure to put CGMs in spots that haven’t received insulin in the last day or two. Keeping these two things separate will make sure you’re keeping your sites on a healthy rotation to avoid scar tissue as well as give you better readings.
At its core, proper type 1 diabetes management is composed of a handful of elements: blood glucose control and insulin management, exercise, nutrition and support. Knowing first-hand the intricacies of living with Type 1 Diabetes, the team at Touched by Type 1 has created the D-Box.