Why Don't Insulin Needles "Damage" You or Hurt When Poking Yourself?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the comparative pain levels and tissue damage associated with insulin injections versus blood draws. Participants noted that insulin needles, which are significantly thinner and designed for subcutaneous injection, result in minimal discomfort due to their size and the fatty tissue in the abdomen. In contrast, blood draw needles are larger and often cause more pain due to their insertion into veins with a higher density of sensory neurons. The discussion also highlights the importance of needle gauge and injection technique in minimizing pain and preventing tissue damage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of insulin injection techniques and subcutaneous administration.
  • Knowledge of needle gauge and its impact on pain perception.
  • Familiarity with the anatomy of skin and sensory neuron distribution.
  • Basic principles of wound healing and tissue response to needles.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between insulin needles and blood draw needles, focusing on gauge and design.
  • Learn about subcutaneous injection techniques and best practices for insulin administration.
  • Explore the anatomy of skin layers and the distribution of sensory neurons in different body areas.
  • Investigate the healing process of minor wounds and how needle size affects tissue recovery.
USEFUL FOR

Individuals with diabetes, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of injections and pain management related to needle use.

  • #31
.Scott said:
See figure 3a in Microneedle Systems and Apparatus
Dat looks scary... :oops:

1690998704865.png
 
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  • #32
berkeman said:
Dat looks scary... :oops:
I am told it is unnoticeable.
 
  • #33
hutchphd said:
I often use scalpels for high quality fine trimming of prototypes etc. Occasionally I will slightly cut myself and be totally oblivious to the event until I notice blood! They are also amazingly sharp.
It really is all down to sharpness. I remember having my jabs at school in the 50's and it certainly hurt. Those needles were all re-used (sterilised) but became blunt pretty quickly, I imagine. These days, all needles (certainly the thin ones) are single-use and I'd bet the manufacture has improved a lot over the years.
I'm only an amateur at self injection; just a short course of Clexane, post op but it really is surreal to stick a pointy thing into your tummy and squirt stuff in. But virtually no sensation at all.
Likewise when having blood samples taken with thicker needles the only discomfort is once the needle is actually in there and if the phlebo guy jiggles around a bit. The secret is always total relaxation and no fidgeting.

What's the state of 'air guns' for medication these days? They used one as a local anaesthetic for blood donors way back but it was useless - smashed the skin and made a blister sometimes.

BTW, great "when I was in the war, son" thread. I nearly passed it by.
 
  • #34
The tiny needles for self injecting really are tiny. Self injecting takes a bit of getting used to; not surprisingly but it's really wimpy to have to ask someone else to do it.

Phlebotomy is a skill that's a touch higher than your average injection giving (big needles in there for a long time with a tube coming out) and it has to go in coaxially with the vein. I have given blood under many circs and the best by far (and consistently) has been done by local 'district' nurses. Plebotomists used to vary a lot when I donated blood but those needles are very big bore. The on-site doctor was a real butcher and the women all apologised for him.

I have a method which I have tested for decades and it is really reliable. It's essential that you relax, that you watch the needle going in so that you can see exactly when it enters. You then stay still (not rigid, though) and don't fidget. If you move around at all with the needle's in there it can tear the tissue, hurt and give bruising.
 
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  • #35
sophiecentaur said:
The tiny needles for self injecting really are tiny. Self injecting takes a bit of getting used to; not surprisingly but it's really wimpy to have to ask someone else to do it.
I stab myself every week with an auto-injector, like this:

1751412642474.webp

Click it to "unlock", press against me tummy and press the button.
Takes all the skill and guess work out.
Helps with Type-II, and knocks off about 20 pounds to-boot.
 
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  • #36
DaveC426913 said:
I stab myself every week with an auto-injector, like this:
Nice nail polish Dave. :smile:
 
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  • #37
DaveC426913 said:
knocks off about 20 pounds to-boot.
?
 
  • #38
DaveC426913 said:
Takes all the skill and guess work out.
and less risk! Also it's cheaper than paying for someone to do it for you regularly.
 

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