
November 11, 2008
Blood Tests and Insulin Injections, Insulin Analogs
Question from Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA:
My eight-year-old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 two months ago. She’s on an insulin pen for NovoLog and Lantus. She makes lots of fuss when it comes to her Lantus. She’s fine with her NovoLog but, every night, we have to struggle to convince her to take her Lantus. What do you suggest?
Answer:
Lantus (insulin glargine) has a different pH than other insulins. Because of this, some people report stinging when Lantus is injected.
You might try a couple things: Be sure that any alcohol used to clean the skin is totally dry. Wet alcohol which gets under the skin during an injection can also result in stinging. Try an ice cube on the injection site. This may temporarily numb the skin – or distract the child. Vary the speed of injecting the insulin. Slowing the speed may decrease the stinging.
BS