Managing Gestational Diabetes: Preparing a Mixed-Dose
Managing Gestational Diabetes: Preparing a Mixed-DoseSyringeYou may need to take insulin to treat your gestational diabetes. There are two types of insulins-longer actingand shorter acting. You may need to mix the two in the same syringe.First, get your supplies ready. You will need a syringe, alcohol swabs, and your insulin bottles. Let’s prepareyour syringe now.Step 1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean, running water and dry them. Step 2. If you are usingan insulin that needs to be mixed, mix it gently, but thoroughly about 15 to 20 times. Don’t shake it becausethat will put air into the insulin.Step 3. Wipe the tops of both insulin bottles with alcohol swabs. Step 4. Pull the plunger of the syringe back tothe amount of longer-acting insulin you need. Inject that air into the bottle of longer-acting insulin. Do not begindrawing the insulin yet. Instead, pull the syringe straight out. At this point your syringe is empty.Step 5. Now pull the plunger back to the amount of shorter acting insulin you need. Inject that air into the bottleof shorter acting insulin. Leave the needle in. Turn the bottle upside-down so the insulin covers it. Then pull theplunger back to draw out the correct amount of shorter acting insulin. At this point your syringe only holdsshorter acting insulin.Step 6. Now for the longer-acting insulin. Stick the needle into the longer-acting insulin bottle. Turn the bottleupside down. Make sure the needle is covered with insulin.Step 7. Carefully pull the plunger back to draw out the correct amount of longer-acting insulin. Remember yoursyringe already holds the units of shorter acting insulin.You’ll need to pull the plunger back to the total units of insulin shorter acting plus longer acting. At this pointyour syringe holds both shorter acting and longer acting insulin.Now you’re ready to inject.Let’s try that again. Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water. Pull the plunger back to the amountof longer-acting insulin you need. Inject that air into the bottle. Don’t start drawing the insulin yet. Instead, pullthe syringe straight out.Pull the plunger back to the amount of shorter acting insulin you need. Inject air into that bottle. Leave theneedle in and turn the bottle upside-down so the insulin completely covers it. Then draw out the correct amountof insulin.Mix cloudy insulin. Wipe the tops of both insulin bottles with an alcohol swab. Stick the needle into the longeracting insulin bottle and turn it upside-down. Make sure the needle is covered with insulin. Carefully pull theplunger back to the total units of shorter and longer acting insulin you need. Now you’re ready to inject.If you have any questions about preparing a mixed dose injection, talk to your healthcare provider.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
© The Wellness Network
