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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experience and mechanics of insulin injections compared to blood draws, focusing on pain perception, tissue damage, and the characteristics of needles used in these procedures. Participants explore the differences in sensation and potential damage caused by different types of needles and injection methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that insulin needles are much thinner than those used for blood draws, which may contribute to reduced pain during injections.
  • There is a suggestion that the location of the injection (subcutaneous in the abdomen) has fewer pain receptors compared to areas like the forearm used for blood draws.
  • One participant mentions that the density of sensory neurons varies by skin location, which could explain differences in pain perception.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for damage from insulin needles, with some questioning whether the thinness of the needle prevents significant harm compared to larger objects.
  • Participants discuss techniques to minimize pain during blood draws, such as requesting smaller gauge needles or switching injection sites.
  • There are anecdotal accounts of varying pain experiences during blood draws, with some participants reporting minimal discomfort while others describe it as more painful.
  • One participant mentions that repeated insulin injections can lead to changes in tissue sensitivity over time, particularly for long-term diabetics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that insulin injections are less painful than blood draws, but there is no consensus on the reasons for this difference. Multiple competing views on the mechanics of pain and tissue damage remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the exact mechanisms behind pain perception and tissue damage during injections, highlighting the need for further exploration of these topics.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals managing diabetes, healthcare professionals, or anyone interested in the mechanics of injections and pain perception.

  • #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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