Where are the best insulin injection sites on your body? Insulin is not swallowed because stomach acid destroys it, though researchers are trying to create insulin pills that overcome this obstacle.

• Insulin is delivered via needle-and-syringe injections, insulin pens, jet injectors or insulin pumps. A recent attempt for an inhaled insulin resulted in Exubera, which was delivered into the nose by a sort of pump. This did not prove popular as the pump was big and would have drawn too much attention to anyone using it. 
• Remember that different locations on the body absorb insulin at different rates. The best site is the tummy because insulin is absorbed most consistently from there. 
• It might be a good idea to use your tummy or arms for short-acting insulin doses and your legs for long-acting insulin. Basically, don’t inject long-acting insulins in the same site as the short-acting – it could affect the absorption capabilities of both.
• Rotate the injection sites you use – don’t keep putting injections into the same spot. If you do this, you’ll get sore as you’re damaging the area with multiple injections. It also means that the insulin may not absorb at a constant rate. 
• Likely sites are: upper arm, outer or inner thighs, top of the buttocks and the stomach.
• When combining insulins in an injection, inject the insulin within five minutes of mixing.

Extract taken from Diabetes - The Essential Guide. For more information on the best insulin injection sites, take a look at the book - available now in eBook, printed book and large print formats. Buy the printed version and get the eBook free!