What insulin syringes have the finest needles for maximum comfort? I have the same question concerning the lancet devices. I wanted to know which ones have been reported to be the least painful when dealing with such tender two year-old fingers.

While injection comfort or discomfort is more than just a factor of needle diameter or length, the thinnest needle today is on the BD Ultra-Fine II short needle syringe. The needle is 31 gauge and 5/16″ (8mm) long. This is similar to the thinnest pen needles. Note that the short needle often requires an adjustment in injection technique, which should be discussed with your diabetes team before you switch.

The thinnest lancet today is the BD Ultra-Fine 33 lancet. When used with an adjustable lancing device, such as the BD Lancet Device, these new lancets can be almost pain free. Note that the new 33 gauge lancets cost more than the 30 gauge lancets.

You’ll find more information in our section about syringes and injection products and our section about lancets and lancing devices.

Your diabetes team should be able to provide samples of these products for you to try.

JSH