Needles

Ever since I was diagnosed in 1999 I've been prescribed and used 6mm needles. My GP practice/ pharmacy seem to have switched suppliers, and the last box of needles I got were from a different manufacturer and are 5mm. I'm tempted to think "what's a mm here or there?", but I wonder if anyone else has a view and whether I should take it up with my GP?

I've gone from 8 to 6 to 4mm in 9 years. Main reason for smaller needles was lack of fat to inject into, less of a problem now, and to reduce bruising, which I think has worked. On our DAFNE course I think some users said that injecting large (not defined) numbers of units with smaller needles was painful sometimes, but max I inject is 13 which I don't consider large. Injection can sting a bit sometimes, but that could be technique and doesn't happen often

8mm needles now look massive and I think "How could I have used them "

I would try them and see how you get on, but possibly it might be a supply issue with manufacturer or NHS/GP policy.

Happy injecting

Thanks alturn, good plan. My main concern is whether the shorter needles might affect absorption and thus effectiveness. I guess I'll give them a go and see what happens!

I switched from 8 mm to 4 mm a couple of years back and had no issues from doing it. As long as you allow the insulin long enough to absorb (min 6 seconds I think), there shouldn't be any issue.

Looks like it shouldn't be much of an issue then! Although I sometimes inject a relatively large dose ( have a bit too much liking for pizza, pasta etc.), if it's more than about 15 units I tend to split the dose into before and after (roughly 50/50) as I find this helps to iron out spikes.

I use 4mm on penfill and 8mm on conventional syringes - it depends on the injection site. 4mm tend to leak out unless you hold them perpendicular to your skin (not inclined) and keep in place for 6 - 10 seconds with the plunger held in.

I know it seems silly, but I use 4mm, and the odd time I've used 5 or 6, it's hurt so so much!

Interestingly I took this issue up with the dispensary at my GP practice, pointing out that since type 1s are supposed to be working in partnership to manage the condition, it seemed out of order for the practice to make any kind of change to treatment without discussing with or informing the patient (me). The dispensary told me that the PCT had made the changes and the practice hadn't had a say, but she promised to look into it. I got a phone call next morning to tell me that they had reinstated the 6mm needles on my prescription.. a small step, which I like to think was the result of my cogent argument, but equally may owe something to my membership of the practice PPG!

Good...Power to the people!
Regards
Garry