An insulin pen is an insulin delivery system for diabetics that looks like an old-fashioned fountain pen and functions like a ballpoint pen. Instead of ink, it contains insulin. Instead of a pen nib, it has a needle. When needle is inserted into the body and the pen is clicked, the insulin dosage prescribed by the doctor is injected.

Types of Pens

Several different kinds of pens are manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies. They are similar in style but have varying features.

Features to Compare

The potential user will want to compare insulin pens for a number of features: size of needle, amount of insulin in the cartridge, size of insulin doses (increments), maximum dose size permitted, position of clicker (top or side), type of insulin in the pen, and whether the pen is reusable or disposable.

Who Can Benefit?

The insulin pen is helpful especially for active people with diabetes and people who are embarrassed about having diabetes because it can be used anywhere. For any diabetic with low vision, the pen decreases the risk of incorrect dosing. Children with diabetes can give themselves the correct dose quickly and easily. And a diabetic who does not like being injected can choose a very fine needle size.

Getting a Prescription

The doctor decides which type of insulin, which dose and what frequency of dosage are right for the patient, as well as whether an insulin pen is the best option for the individual patient.

Getting an Insulin Pen

Many insulin pens are given away free to doctors as samples by the drug companies. The companies make money by selling the needed supplies. Many pens and supplies are covered by insurance and Medicare and Medicaid.

Source:

Diabetes Monitor: Insulin Pens

Diabetic Living: How to Use an Insulin Pen

Resource:

The Ohio State University: How to Use an Insulin Pen