Management

Step-by-Step: Giving Yourself an Insulin Shot

Choose a preferred language

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Remove the cap from your insulin bottle. Clean the top of your uncapped insulin bottle with an alcohol wipe. Uncover the needle attached to the syringe. Pull up on the plunger and fill the syringe with the same amount of air as the amount of insulin you are prescribed. Place the needle in your insulin bottle. Push fully down on the plunger. Pull up on the syringe and fill it with your prescribed amount. Check for air bubbles within the insulin inside the syringe. If there are any air bubbles, empty the syringe and refill it until there are none. Point the syringe upward. Push on the plunger until a drop of insulin comes from the tip of the needle. Clean the side of the injection with an alcohol wipe. Use the index finger and thumb of one hand to gently pinch up a bit of skin. With the other hand, fully inject the needle at a 90 degree angle to the skin. Release the pinched skin and press the plunger all the way in to release the insulin. Leave the syringe in place for 10 seconds. Correctly dispose of the entire syringe.

Online Medical Reviewer: Hurd, Robert, MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Turley, Raymond Kent, BSN, MSN

Date Last Reviewed: 07/01/2021

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find the right providers for your needs.

CalOptima Health works with thousands of Orange County providers, including doctors, specialists, health networks, medical groups and more.

Find a Doctor

See Member Health Rewards

CalOptima Health offers health rewards to eligible CalOptima Health members who take an active role in their well-being!

View available rewards
Related Articles
Read article
Diabetes
Using Diabetes Medications Safely

Follow these strategies for safely taking your diabetes medications.

Read article
Diabetes
The Importance of Skin and Foot Care

Learn how managing your blood glucose levels will help you to prevent or delay skin and foot problems.

Read article
Diabetes
Reading the Food Label When You Have Diabetes

Learn how to read the food label, and why using it can help you choose healthy foods for your diabetes management.

Read article
Diabetes
The Value of Being Active When You Have Diabetes

Learn how physical activity can improve your blood glucose levels, your weight, and your overall health.