The ultimate guide to insulin needles and insulin pen needles!

From the early days of insulin therapy, when glass syringes and needles had to be sterilized before use, to the modern era of insulin syringes and easy-to-use, sterile, disposable needles, insulin administration has come a long way.

Choosing the right insulin needle can make a big difference in the comfort and effectiveness of insulin injections for people with diabetes. But because there are a variety of sizes, lengths and strengths available , it can be difficult to find the right pen needle for you.

Whether you are new to insulin therapy or want to switch to a different needle type, this guide is designed to help you understand the different types of insulin pen needles and make an informed decision.

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What is an insulin pen needle?

An insulin pen needle is a small, disposable needle used to inject insulin from an insulin pen subcutaneously (under the skin). They are usually made of thin, high-quality stainless steel and coated with a special lubricant to reduce the discomfort of insulin injection. Insulin pen needles are single-use needles that are used only once and disposed of in a sharps container . This helps prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases and reduces the risk of needlestick injuries.

Pen needles are available in different lengths, gauges and thicknesses to suit different insulin pens, body types and insulin delivery needs.

There are two different types : standard insulin pen needles and insulin safety needles.

standard insulin pen needles

Standard insulin pen needles have a straight needle that connects to the insulin pen. They are easy to use and can deliver insulin quickly and accurately. However, they do not have built-in safety features to prevent needlestick injuries.

Examples of standard insulin pen needles sold in Germany:

• BD Micro Fine Ultra Insulin Pen Needles
• Aktivmed pen needles

• Accu-Chek Accu-Fine pen needles

Insulin safety pins for insulin pens

On the other hand, safety pen needles have retractable needles to reduce the risk of accidental needlestick injuries . After injection, the needle retracts into the pen so that the tip is not visible, reducing the risk of accidental contamination.

Insulin safety needles come in a variety of designs, including those that are manually retracted and those that retract automatically after injection. They are recommended for people who are at higher risk of accidental needlestick injuries, such as healthcare workers , children with diabetes, or people with poor vision or mobility problems .

While safety pen needles may be more expensive than standard insulin pen needles, they offer a higher level of safety.

Examples of insulin safety pins sold in Germany:

• Mylife Autoprotect Pro Safety Pen Needle
• BD Safe Assist safety pen needles
• KDL insulin safety pins

insulin needle sizes

Insulin pen needles come in a variety of sizes, typically 4 mm to 8 mm long and 29 to 33 gauge thick .

The appropriate needle size for a person depends on several factors, including the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue at the injection site, the type of insulin, and individual preference.

Ultimately, the size of your insulin pen needles should be determined with the help of a healthcare provider to ensure accurate, safe and comfortable insulin delivery.

insulin needle length

Insulin pen needles are available in lengths from 4 mm to 8 mm , with 5 mm and 6 mm being the most common.

Shorter needles (4-5 mm) are recommended for people with a low body mass index, children, and people who prefer a shorter needle.

Longer needles (6-8 mm) are recommended for people with thicker subcutaneous tissue.

Other factors, such as the injection site, can also influence the choice of insulin pen needle length. For example, shorter needles are usually recommended for injections in the abdomen or thigh , while longer needles may be required for injections in the buttocks.

Shorter needles also help make the injection less uncomfortable, so it is sometimes necessary to try different needle lengths to see which one works best for you.

Conversion of insulin needle length (from mm to inches):

• 4 mm = 5/32 inch
• 5 mm = 3/16 inch
• 6 mm = 15/64 inch
• 8 mm = 5/16 inch

insulin pen needles needle gauge

Another thing to consider when selecting insulin pen needles is the gauge of the needle. This refers to the thickness of the needle, with lower gauge numbers indicating a thicker needle .

Most insulin pen needles are gauge 31, 32, or 33. The correct gauge depends on several factors, including the type of insulin, the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue, and individual preference. Some types of insulin, such as concentrated insulin or insulin suspensions, may require a thicker needle to ensure that the insulin is delivered properly.

When it comes to needle length, it's important to consult a doctor to determine the appropriate insulin needle gauge . It may be helpful to try different needle gauges to find out which one works best for you.

insulin needle size chart

Here is an insulin needle size chart with some general information about the most common insulin pen needles , including their length, gauge and brand:

Please note that this table is not a comprehensive list of all insulin pen needles available in Germany or the European Union and that different brands may have different specifications.

Other features to look for when choosing needles for insulin pen

In addition to the length and thickness, there are other features to consider when choosing insulin pen needles , including:

insulin needle types

As mentioned earlier, there are two types of insulin pen needles - standard and safety needles. Standard insulin pen needles have a straight needle that is attached to the pen. In contrast, safety insulin pen needles have retractable needles to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries.

Compatibility of insulin pen and needles

Needles are usually not included in insulin pen packs, so you'll need to buy them separately. Fortunately, most brands' pen needles fit all insulin pens , including Lantus Solostar Pen, Levemir Flextouch Pen, Novolog Flexpen, Humalog Kwikpen, Fiasp, and others.

However, there are a few exceptions with special needles designed for certain pen types, such as Novo Nordisk's Novotwist needles (discontinued), so make sure you choose needles that are compatible with the specific model of insulin pen you have.

Additionally , insulin pen manufacturers often offer their own line of needles designed to work seamlessly with their pens. Using an incompatible needle may result in inaccurate insulin dosing or insulin leakage . Always check the manufacturer's instructions and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you want to know which insulin needles are compatible with your pen.

coatings and lubricants

Insulin pen needles are available with different coatings and lubricants that can reduce pain and discomfort during injection. Some needles have a silicone coating that can make the injection less painful, while others have a special lubricant that can reduce friction between the needle and the skin.

needle tips insulin

There are two main types of insulin needle tips: beveled and non-beveled.

Beveled insulin needles have beveled tips to minimize discomfort and pain during injection. The angle allows the needle to penetrate the skin more easily, reducing the risk of pain or bruising. This type of needle tip is commonly used in insulin pen needles and syringes.

Non-beveled insulin needles have a flat, straight tip designed to minimize the risk of skin trauma. They are typically used in insulin pump infusion sets that deliver insulin continuously.

costs for insulin injections

The cost of insulin pen needles can vary depending on the brand and type. A person with insulin-dependent diabetes can use up to 6 insulin pen needles a day, so the costs can add up quickly! Standard insulin pen needles can cost between $4 and $10 per pack of 100 .

Needles for insulin syringes and insulin pens: Frequently asked questions

What are the best insulin pen needles?

Some of the best insulin pen needles are:

• BD Ultra-Fine
• BD Nano 4 mm
• BD Nano 2nd Gen pen needles
• BD Autoshield Duo Safety Pins
• Aktivmed pen needles
• NovoFine 31G insulin needles

• Wellion Protect Pro safety pen needles 8 mm

Even lesser-known brands of insulin needles such as Easy Touch, Care Touch, TruePLUS, MedTfine or ComfortEZ offer a good selection, often at a lower price.

What are the smallest insulin cannulas?

The smallest insulin needles available on the market are 4mm long and 32 gauge , such as the BD Nano 4mm or the NovoFine. These shorter and thinner needles are designed to provide a more comfortable and less painful insulin injection, but they are not suitable for every patient with diabetes.

Ask your doctor for advice on which needle length and needle thickness are best for you, depending on your individual needs and preferences.

How to use an insulin needle?

Here are the steps to safely use an insulin pen needle:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Prepare your insulin injection supplies (insulin pen, needle, sharps disposal, alcohol swab, blood glucose meter, etc.).
3. Clean the injection site.
4. Remove the cap from the insulin pen.
5. Remove the paper tab from the needle.
6. Screw the needle onto the rubber seal of the pen.
7. Remove the outer needle cap and store it for later use.
8. Remove the inner needle cap.
9. Inject the insulin.
10. Replace the outer needle cap.
11. Unscrew the needle from the pen.
12. Dispose of the needle in a sharps container.
13. Reinsert the insulin pen .

How often can you use an insulin pen needle?

Insulin pen needles are for single use only , meaning they should only be used for one injection and then disposed of immediately.

Reusing insulin pen needles can increase the risk of infection, affect the accuracy of insulin dosing, and cause pain or discomfort during injection. Therefore, you should use a new, sterile needle for each injection.

How should insulin needles be disposed of?

Insulin pen needles are sharp objects, so they should be disposed of safely and responsibly to avoid injury and infection to you and others. Here are some steps to properly dispose of used insulin pen needles:

• After use, remove the needle from the insulin pen and replace the cap on the pen.

• Carefully place the needle into a sharps container . Sharps containers are available from your healthcare provider, pharmacy, or medical supply store.

• If you don't have a sharps container, use a puncture-resistant container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a plastic cleaning product bottle or a metal coffee can.

• When the container is full, close it tightly with the lid and label it " Sharp objects".

• Do not throw the container in the household trash . Instead, contact your local waste disposal authority for sharps collection points, such as doctor's offices, hospitals, pharmacies, medical waste facilities, police stations or other locations.

Do insulin pen needles require a prescription?

No. You do not need a doctor's prescription to buy insulin pen needles in the United States. They are available over the counter and can be purchased at pharmacies or online.

However, your health insurance may require a prescription to cover the cost of insulin pen needles.

We would love to hear from you!

What about you? Do you use insulin pens or insulin syringes? What are your preferred insulin needles?