Sometimes when I pull the needle out after giving an injection, a bit of insulin comes out of my arm. Why does it happen? Is this common?

The most common cause for a small drop of insulin to leak back out of a site is continuing to pinch or hold up the skin after pulling the needle out (this squeezes some insulin back out). Other things associated with more frequent leaking of insulin from the injection site are the use of short needles and injecting in the arms or legs. It may be helpful to release the pinch after injecting and then count to 10 before pulling the needle out. This gives more time for the insulin to get into the fat layer, especially if you use an insulin pen or take a larger dose. You may also find less leaking by injecting in the abdomen or using regular length needles.

You should not take extra insulin to make up for a lost drop, but it is a good idea to mark it down in your log book and see if it has an effect on your blood glucoses. If this continues to be a problem, have your diabetes educator observe your injection technique and he/she may be able to provide some tips.

MN