Integrated Diabetes Services (IDS) provides detailed advice and coaching on diabetes management from certified diabetes educators and dieticians. Insulin Nation IDS answers to questions submitted from the Type 1 diabetes community.
Q: Is it common to get bruises at the site of injection? What can you do about that?
A: There are many reasons that an injection site might develop a bruise. Try some of these techniques to decrease the chances of bruising:
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- Ice the injection site for about 30 to 60 seconds prior to giving the injection. The cold helps to shrink the capillary blood vessels which may get punctured during a shot.
- If the bruising happens specifically in your abdomen, make sure you are not injecting too close to your belly button.
- Shorter needles tend to cause more bruising than longer needles.
- If you are on blood thinners like warfarin, aspirin, or Plavix, you may be more at risk for bruising. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.
- Make sure you are injecting at a 90-degree angle to your skin, and not on a slant.
- Always use a new needle or pen cap for insulin pens. Reusing needles causes more trauma to the tissue.
- Switch injection sites. Repeated injection into the same area can cause bruising, as well as the development of scar tissue.
Have a Question? Insulin-Quiring Minds is a free service of the clinical team at Integrated Diabetes Services LLC. Submit your questions to jennifer@integrateddiabetes.com. All questions will be answered, and yours may be chosen to appear in Insulin Nation.
About Integrated Diabetes Services
Integrated Diabetes Services provides one-on-one education and glucose regulation for people who use insulin. Diabetes “coaching” services are available in-person and remotely via phone and the Internet for children and adults. Integrated Diabetes Services offers specialized services for insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor users, athletes, pregnancy & Type 1 diabetes, and those with Type 2 diabetes who require insulin. For more information, call 1-610-642-6055, go to integrateddiabetes.com or write to info@integrateddiabetes.com.
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