This video shows how to prepare an insulin shot using a syringe and a single bottle of insulin.
Like any new skill, it may seem like a lot to remember at first.
But it will get easier with practice.
First, wash your hands and gather your supplies.
You'll need an insulin syringe, your bottle of insulin, and an alcohol wipe or a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Take a look at the insulin bottle before you begin.
Make sure you have the right medicine.
Check the expiration date, and check that the insulin looks the way you expect it to.
If you're using cloudy insulin, it needs to be mixed before you use it.
To do this, gently roll—but don't shake— the bottle between your hands until all the white powder has dissolved.
If you're using a new bottle of insulin, remove the protective cap that covers the rubber lid of the bottle.
Clean the rubber lid of the bottle with an alcohol wipe or a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol, and let the alcohol dry.
Before you fill the syringe with insulin, you'll need to add air pressure into the bottle.
Take your syringe and uncap the needle.
Pull the plunger back to draw air into the syringe.
Pull until the plunger tip is in line with the number of units of insulin that you need.
Then insert the needle into the insulin bottle.
Push the plunger all the way down to force the air from the syringe into the bottle.
Now turn the bottle upside down.
Slowly pull back on the plunger to fill the syringe with slightly more than the amount of insulin you need.
Tap the barrel of the syringe to move any air bubbles up to the needle area.
Then gently push the plunger to force the bubbles and extra insulin back into the bottle.
Make sure you have the right amount of insulin in your syringe. Then remove the needle from the bottle.
Now you're ready to give the shot.
