Administering insulin is cornerstone care for millions of people in India who have diabetes. While the most common way of insulin delivery is through a syringe and a vial, lately, there has been a rise of a new injection technique, wherein diabetic patients take their insulin medication via pen needles. If you’re new to diabetic self-management, you might be wondering, ‘what is a pen needle.’
A pen needle is an apparatus that is used with a pen injector. When you have a multi-dose insulin pen, you will require a new needle every time you need medication. These needles are segregated into two categories: safety needles and standard needles. Standard needles come with a removable outer and inner cover. On the other hand, a safety needle has a removable outer shell and a fixed inner shield that can’t be removed.
The main advantage of pen injectors is that they require fewer steps than the traditional vial and syringe method, translating to a simple, convenient, and accurate insulin delivery. Moreover, a relatively less amount of expertise is required in handling insulin pen needles.
Market Summary
The Indian pen needles market is expected to grow at a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.1%. The primary factor which fuels the growth of this market is the rising number of people who have diabetes. According to a 2019 study carried out by International Diabetes Federation (IDF), India has the second-highest number of adult diabetic patients in the whole world.
To put it into numbers, India has 77 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 who have diabetes. Another reason why this market segment is witnessing mammoth growth is due to the improving healthcare infrastructure, which paves the way for innovations and allows global players in India to drive their market growth and improve their standing in the international market.
Moreover, online shopping for medication is getting increasingly common among diabetic patients as it is convenient and saves you a trip to the pharmacy store. This online presence, combined with increasing patients and rising demand for self-medication, contributes to the overall rise in demand for pen needles.
How to Use Pen Needles
Now that you know the benefits of pen needles for insulin injection, you might be tempted to try one out for yourself. Well, here’s a quick guide on how to use diabetic pen needles for insulin medication:
Step 1: Prepare the insulin pen injector
To prepare the insulin pen, first wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, remove the pen cap carefully. Next, clean the pen tip with an alcohol swab.
Step 2: Remove needle covers
Pull the paper tab from the needle and screw the new needle into the pen. Remove the outer cap that comes with the needle gently.
Step 3: Remove air from the needle
Hold the pen in an upwards position and press the pen button until you see a drop of insulin form at the needle tip.
Step 4: Set the dosage
Turn the dosage knob on your pen injector to the number of units you require.
Step 5: Inject the insulin
Use one hand to operate the pen needle, with the thumb on the pen button. Use the other hand to pinch the skin around the injection site. Remember to insert the pen needle at a 90 or 45-degree angle. After you’re done injecting, take an alcohol swab and press gently on the injection site.
Step 6: Dispose of the needle
After you’re done administering the dose, throw the needle into a safety box or a plastic container. Never leave a needle on the insulin pen if not in use, as it can seriously compromise the sterility. Lastly, change the pen cap, and store the pen carefully in the box.
In Conclusion
With their increasing demand and clear advantages over the traditional syringe and vial, pen needles are set to become the next go-to product for self-managing diabetic patients. If you’re one of them, now might be a good time to shift to insulin pens, as they provide a less painful and easier way to administer insulin and manage your diabetes.
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