Many people with diabetes use insulin syringes (often several times a day) to administer a dose of insulin as prescribed by the doctor treating them. when in type 1 diabetesThe body cannot make its own insulin to regulate blood sugar levelIn type 2 diabetes, the body is unable to use insulin efficiently or make enough, which leads to the use of insulin injections. According to Healthline.comInsulin can be given in different ways: syringe, pen or pump, which is usually decided in consultation with a doctor based on one’s insulin dosage, comfort level, and cost factors. Experts say that sometimes, however, people often use these syringes for weeks or even months. But should syringes, even if only being used by one person, be reused?
According to Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder Director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, reuse of insulin Pen needles can increase the growth of bacteria on the needle which can lead to pain when injected. This, in turn, can cause bruising and/or bleeding when the needle is inserted or withdrawn, as well as an increased risk of lipohypertrophy (loose skin), and the risk of breaking a very fine needle tip.
In addition, reusing insulin needles can lead to potentially serious infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients, as noted in a 2020 case where a 71-year-old female patient developed an abdominal primary cutaneous had developed mucormycosis, MPR reported. healthcare professionals.
2017- Forum for Injection Technique and Therapy Expert Recommendations (Fitter) In India, experts report that needle reuse is “disturbingly high”. Citing the Global Insulin Injection Technique Questionnaire Survey (ITQ), conducted among 14,000 patients from more than 400 centers in 42 countries, the forum noted that a total of 55.8 percent of interviewed patients reported their syringes for insulin use. Reused, mostly for convenience or to save cost. The survey also highlighted that nearly 40 percent used their pen needles more than five times.
They further state that “the smallest needles (currently 4 mm in pens and 6 mm in syringes) are safe, effective and less painful and should be the first line of choice in all patient categories”.
“Small needles may provide protection from injecting into the muscle, as a insulin Injection into the muscle can lead to hypoglycemia,” Subhankar Choudhary, Professor and Head, Department of Endocrinology, IPGMER and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, said on stage.
Diabetes is a disease of complications and, most of the time, people do not get any symptoms related to it during the course of the disease. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
pre-sterilized insulin Dr Anil Bhoraskar, Senior Diabetologist, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim and Secretary, Diabetic Association of India (Scientific Section) pointed out that syringes should not be re-sterilized by a person as it is dangerous and may result in injection abscess. . indianexpress.com,
“Insulin syringes as well as needles are to be used only once and then discarded after use. Additionally, it is not advisable to reuse needles as they tend to become blunt and cause further injury. Even though the injection is given only once a day, syringes and needles need to be changed regularly. It is advisable not to exchange needles for two different brands of injections,” he said.
Dr Bhoraskar warned that continuing to use the same syringe “can have and result in potentially negative health effects”. admitted to hospital“Also, never use the same syringe on two different people as this can spread the infection. A blunt needle can result in a hematoma, so diabetic patients who are taking blood thinners can They should avoid using needles more than once,” he said.
How to dispose of syringes and lancets safely?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
*After giving yourself an insulin shot, insert your syringe directly into a sturdy plastic or metal container with a tight cap or lid. After using the lancet, you can keep it in the same container.
*Try not to bend, break or put the cap back on your needle…you could hurt yourself!
*When the container is full and sealed tightly with heavy-duty tape, throw it in the trash. Do not put this container in your recycling bin.
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