Insulin Detemir

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Insulin	Levemir®	Adult, Children

Insulin Detemir - Dosage and How to Use

How should Insulin Detemir be used?

Insulin Detemir is given once or twice a day without regards to food as an injection into the fatty tissue under the skin. Use the injection technique advised by your doctor or nurse and as described in the manual. Ensure that your insulin appears clear and colourless before use. Do not use if it appears cloudy, grainy or if particles are seen.

How to select an injection site

Insulin should be injected into the fatty tissue that is between the skin and muscle layer
Where you inject is important as it affects the speed that insulin is absorbed by the body

Abdomen/Stomach area – Fastest to get absorb
Arm – Intermediate rate to get absorb
Thigh and buttock – Slowest to get absorb

You should rotate the injection site within the same area to prevent your body from forming " fatty lumps" or "hollow areas".
Do not inject insulin in the areas that are actively used during exercise.

How to inject insulin

Clean the skin before injecting the insulin.
Pinch your skin to form a fold.
Insert the needle at 90 degrees, right angle to the skin.
During the injection, inject the insulin by pushing the plunger all the way down slowly with your index finger, wait for about 10 seconds before removing the needle and releasing the pinched skin.
Keep the plunger down until the needle has been taken out from the skin. This will ensure you get the full dose. Do not rub or massage the injection site.
Throw the syringe or pen needle away properly in a container that cannot be punctured.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, inject the next dose at the usual time. Do not inject two doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you forget to inject your insulin, your blood sugar may get too high (hyperglycemia). Check your blood sugar with a home blood sugar meter (glucometer). When your blood sugar is high for too long, you may experience increased urination, feeling thirsty, feeling sick (nausea or vomiting), feeling drowsy or tired, abdominal pain, flushed face and a fruity (acetone) smell of the breath. These may be signs of a very serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis where there is a build-up of acid in the blood because the body is breaking down fat instead of sugar. Please see the doctor immediately if you have the above symptoms.