Ways to take insulin Insulin must be injected under the skin to work. It cannot be taken as a tablet because if swallowed, the insulin is broken down by the stomach and does not work. Insulin can be injected using an insulin pen or syringe, or by using an insulin pump. Injecting with an insulin pen or syringe Insulin pens contain a cartridge filled with insulin. You dial up your dose before injecting. What’s on this page Ways to take insulin Before you inject Where to inject insulin Using an insulin pen Using a syringe More information and support Syringes are used to draw insulin from a vial or bottle before injecting. Many people find insulin pens are easier to use than syringes. If you have problems with your eyesight or arthritis in your hands, an insulin pen may be easier for you. Talk with your diabetes health professional about which insulin injection device is best for you and how to use it. Using an insulin pump Some people choose to use an insulin pump. This is a small device worn on the body day and night. It delivers insulin continuously to match your needs. Find out more about insulin pumps. Before you inject It is important to follow instructions from your doctor or diabetes nurse practitioner when injecting insulin. Before each injection, check you are using: the right type of insulin the correct dose. This is especially important if you use more than one type or dose of insulin. Where to inject insulin Insulin works best when it is injected into the fatty layer just below the skin and above the muscle. Using the correct needle length helps make sure the insulin goes into this layer and not into muscle. Most people inject it into their tummy, but some people prefer to use their buttocks or thighs. Where you inject insulin may affect how quickly it works, so talk to your diabetes health professional about the best sites for you. Move to a slightly different place each time to avoid getting fatty lumps under the skin. The steps below are a general guide only. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor, diabetes nurse practitioner or diabetes educator. Using an insulin pen Insulin pens look similar to writing pens. Some are pre-filled with insulin and must be thrown away when they are empty. Others are reusable and empty insulin cartridges can be replaced. Always use the insulin pen that is designed for the insulin brand you are using. How to inject insulin with a pen 1. Mix cloudy insulins before injecting. Gently tip and roll the insulin pen or vial 10 to 20 times until it has no flakes or lumps. Do not shake. 2. Attach a new pen needle. Use a new pen needle every time to help reduce bruising or scarring. Remove the paper tab and screw it onto the pen. 3. Remove the pen needle caps Remove both the outer cap and the inner cap on the pen needle. 4. Check the pen is working. Dial up 2 units of insulin and release into the air with the pen held upright. You should see a small amount of insulin come out of the needle. If not, repeat this step until you see some insulin released. 5. Dial up your dose. Double check again you have dialled up the correct dose and are using the correct insulin prescribed for that time of day. You can ask someone else to check if you need to. 6. Inject and hold for 10 seconds. Insert the needle at 90 degrees (a right angle) to your skin, unless advised otherwise by your diabetes health professional. 7. Safely remove and dispose of the pen needle. Carefully remove the needle from the pen and place it in a sharps container. Put the pen lid back on. Using a syringe Your doctor or diabetes nurse practitioner may advise you to use a syringe to inject your insulin if you need to mix different types of insulin, or if the insulin you use is not available in pen form. How to inject insulin with an insulin syringe: 1. Clean the vial Wipe the end of the vial with an alcohol wipe. 2. Remove syringe caps Remove the cap at the bottom of the syringe first. Then carefully remove the orange cap covering the needle. 3. Insert the syringe into the vial Hold the vial upright and push the needle into the vial. 4. Draw up the insulin dose Hold the vial of insulin upside down and gently pull the plunger out until you have drawn up your insulin dose, plus a small extra amount. Remove the needle from the vial. 5. Check for air bubbles Hold the syringe pointing up and tap it gently. This will move air bubbles to the top of the syringe. 6. Remove air bubbles Keeping the syringe upright, slowly push the plunger until the correct dose of insulin remains. Double check you are using the correct dose and type of insulin now – ask someone else if you need to. 7. Inject and hold for 10 seconds Gently pinch a small fold of skin. Insert the needle at 90 degrees (a right angle) to your skin, unless advised otherwise by your diabetes health professional. 8. Safely remove and dispose of syringe. Carefully place the syringe in a sharps container. It is important to dispose of used pen needles and syringes safely. Find out how on our sharps disposal page. Accessing pen needles and syringes If you use insulin or other injectable diabetes medicines, you may be able to get free pen needles and syringes through the NDSS. Talk to your health professional to find out if you’re eligible. More information and support Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 600 and ask to speak to a diabetes educator. Find a credentialled diabetes educator near you by visiting the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) website at adea.com.au. Find out more about safe sharps disposal by visiting the Diabetes Australia website at www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/resources/safe-sharps/ Learn about the insulin you are using by searching the Medicine Finder website at www.safetyandquality.gov.au/medicine-finder, or talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Disclaimer This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice and if you have any concerns about your health or further questions, you should contact your health professional. Last updated: July 2026
